Items Similar to Antique Japanese WovenSilk PaintedCeramicOjimes Beadwork Embroidery Inro
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 14
Antique Japanese WovenSilk PaintedCeramicOjimes Beadwork Embroidery Inro
About the Item
This rare antique Edo-period (1615-1868) Japanese handmade inro is a curved lozenge-shaped hand-dyed woven-silk hard carrying-case container sheath that features intricate embroidery with rock-crystal or glass beadwork and thin leather-wrapped thread appliques. For its "Kimono Style" exhibition, TheMet museum noted: "the dying, weaving, and embroidery techniques for which Japan is famed reached their peak of artistic sophistication during the Edo period."
On the burgundy finely-braided silk obijime cord that suspends the inro hang adjustable ojime fasteners of glazed earthenware, which are hand-painted with underglaze and overglaze enamels. The imagery includes signature-like branches, mountains, and a pine tree. Each knotted end of the cord dangles from the bottom of the inro with two rice-paper tubular beads.
We could not find any Japanese beads constructed from handmade rice-paper like this in any online-accessible museum collection. The long-ago artist who made this and the other handcrafted elements was an expert in multiple artistic skills beyond the typical inro maker.
In the same elongated shape of our inro, we found one with ball-shaped ojime at the V&A museum that was made in the 18th Century by Ogawa Haritsu, who was an inro master also specialized in ceramics and painting who died in 1747. The V&A noted that he had a talented apprentice, Mochizuchi Hanzan, who continued to innovate in his master's style during the rest of the century.
The only other inro among hundreds in its collection that has a painted ceramic ojime like ours is dated 1750 to 1800. The V&A noted: "ceramic inro are unusual, especially at this early date. The background of this design suggests that it imitates leather. During the late 1700s and early 1800s Dutch leather became popular in Japan and the craftsman who made this probably had knowledge of such exotic wares."
The same two embroidered designs appear on each side, whereby the top one may be an animal with a long neck or tail like a dragon, while the bottom one may be fruits, flowers or clouds.
While the threads seem hand-woven to the mostly concealed organic material, the distressed exterior is covered in grey silk, while the interior has a teal-silk rim and undyed-silk lining. On one side of the inro there is bead loss at the top. On the other side, there is leather-wrapped thread loss at the bottom.
Most inro were made for men from durable materials in rectangular shapes and multiple sections so that they could enclose small items of importance, like a seal, to a sash tied on the torso to close their kimono. Since this textile-and-ceramic one that seems to conceal a hand-carved or basketry base has such a delicate exterior, we assume it was a costly fashion accessory custom-made for a geisha's kimono with little or no function. Although, there was a match box inserted by the previous owner that we removed.
With the Japanese adoption of Western dress since the late 19th Century, inro and their makers mostly disappeared, while much of the knowledge and skills to make them were lost. Since the late Edo period the artistic value of inro increased, as they were no longer used as an accessory and came to be regarded as an art object for collection.
- Dimensions:Width: 2 in (5.08 cm)Depth: 1 in (2.54 cm)Length: 14 in (35.56 cm)
- Style:18th Century (Of the Period)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:18th Century
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Chicago, IL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3244220103712
About the Seller
5.0
Vetted Seller
These experienced sellers undergo a comprehensive evaluation by our team of in-house experts.
Established in 2012
1stDibs seller since 2022
9 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: North Adams, MA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
More From This SellerView All
- MontblancMeisterstuckClassique Germany Gilt BlackResin Rollerball Pen with InkBy MontblancLocated in Chicago, ILThe best-known writing instrument of all Montblanc collections, this Meisterstuck Classique features six gilt rings and clip on the black-resin rollerball pen with a pull-off cap, un...Category
20th Century German For The Desk
- Antique 1920-40 Surrealist Sculpture Unique Set Hammered SteelWire Female TorsosLocated in Chicago, ILThis antique Surrealist sculpture set of two one-of-a-kind female figurines was handmade in hammered steel wire with patina estimated as early as the 1920s. Each ribald three-dimensional self-standing torso study of a woman features either three spiral springs (suggesting pregnant belly with large breasts...Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Sculptures
- Vintage EnameledSilverHeartPendants Linked AdjustableChain Decor Belt NecklaceLocated in Chicago, ILThis vintage amusing enameled silver pendant adjustable-chain unsigned necklace, belt or novel interior decoration features heart-shaped two-inch-long links painted in six colors of ...Category
Late 20th Century Decorative Objects
- Couture TextileArt Vienna Austria ArtistSigned Vintage Brocade&Silk TeddyBearToyLocated in Chicago, ILAs unique vintage handcrafted textile art including a 20th-Century tag with its artist signature, Vienna-Austria origin and stuffing content, this multi-color "clown" teddy bear has ...Category
20th Century Austrian Toys
- France LimitedEdition 1878Mignot 9LeadFigurines BoxSet Can-CanStageBar CuriosityLocated in Chicago, ILTitled "French Can-Can", this rare limited-edition signed boxed unfolding-stage complete set with nine miniature hand-painted lead and pewter cabaret figurines was originally a one-o...Category
Late 20th Century French Curiosities
- Carder Steuben Rare BlownGlass "MossAgate" Numbered Blue Matrix Crackle VaseBy Steuben GlassLocated in Chicago, ILAntique colorful Steuben blown glass pieces featuring the "Moss Agate" technique designed by its co-founding artistic director Frederick Carder are unsigned and "all rare" according ...Category
1920s American Vases
You May Also Like
- Gucci 1980s Brass Horse Bit Candle HoldersBy GucciLocated in Scottsdale, AZIntroducing the Gucci 1980s Brass Horse Bit Candle Holders, a captivating and luxurious addition to your home decor collection. Crafted from brass with a rich gold-tone finish, these candle holders exude elegance and sophistication. The candle holders feature a whimsical abstract shape that adds a touch of artistic flair to any space. At the base of each holder, you'll find the iconic Gucci horse bit motifs, which are intricately detailed and serve as a nod to the brand's heritage and craftsmanship. These stunning candle holders provide a unique and stylish way to elevate your home decor and add a touch of luxury to any room. Whether displayed on a dining table, mantelpiece, or sideboard, they are sure to spark conversation and admiration from guests. Enhance the ambiance of your home with the timeless elegance of the Gucci 1980s Brass Horse Bit Candle Holders, and infuse your space with the iconic style and sophistication of the Gucci brand. Pair this next to an Hermes ash tray...Category
1980s Italian Decorative Objects
- Fornasetti Liquor Themed Six Piece 3" Coaster Set - 'Vini e Liquori'By FornasettiLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a set of 1970s Pierro Fornasetti liquor-themed coasters. These coasters perfectly play into Fornasetti's design style as he takes the ordinary and adds a playful, surreal ...Category
1970s Italian Ceramics
- Moroccan Berber Tribal Ethnic BraceletLocated in North Hollywood, CAMoroccan Berber tribal bracelet. Moroccan tribal bracelets from the High Atlas of Morocco. Handcrafted by Berber women using Moroccan silver nickel. The ethnic Nomadic and Bedouin jewelry...Category
20th Century Moroccan Decorative Objects
- Pair of Moroccan Berber Tribal BraceletsLocated in North Hollywood, CAPair of Moroccan Berber tribal bracelets. Moroccan tribal bracelets from the High Atlas of Morocco. Handcrafted by Berber women using Moroccan silver nickel. The ethnic Nomadic and Bedouin jewelry...Category
20th Century Moroccan Decorative Objects
- Vintage Moroccan Berber Ethnic BraceletLocated in North Hollywood, CAMoroccan Berber tribal bracelet Moroccan tribal bracelet, cuff from the high atlas of Morocco. Handcrafted by Berber women using Moroccan silver nickel. The ethnic Nomadic and Bedouin jewelry...Category
20th Century Moroccan Decorative Objects
- Moroccan Berber Tribal CuffLocated in North Hollywood, CAVintage Moroccan Berber tribal bracelet Moroccan tribal bracelet from the High Atlas of Morocco. Handcrafted by Berber women using Moroccan silver nickel. The ethnic Nomadic and Bedouin jewelry...Category
20th Century Moroccan Decorative Objects
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Japanese Silk Embroidery
Antique Japanese Dress
Antique Early 1700s
Antique Small Leather Box
Antique Japanese Kimono
18th Century Container
Japanese 19th Century Flower Painting
19th Japan Silk Paint
Antique Enamel Animal
Antique Tie Box
Antique Beadwork
Edo Kimono
Antique Geisha
Antique Thread Box
Antiques Torso
Antique Teal Paint
Dior Dragon
Dior Dress Long