New Inro

Since the Edo period of Japan (1603-1868) Inro had become increasingly popular among the Japanese. With many restrictions on dress code in the Edo period Japan, only those of high rank and influence could wear beautifully crafted kimono. One of the ways for the Japanese middle class to get around this was to wear sagemono “things hung upon he belt”. Many types of sagemono were created for specialized contents, such as tobacco, pipes, writing brush, and ink, but the inro was suited for carrying anything small. There were no restrictions on the level of decoration applied to the sagemono and Inro were the perfect canvas for elaborate and subtle designs to be applied for personal taste. Many of the wealthy would collect inro changing them daily to suit their attire or mood.

By the end of the 19th-century japan was opened to the world and with the west seeing the alien culture of Japan many fascinated Americans and Europeans wanted to find out as much as they possibly could. The easiest way in it seemed as though the objects that started to appear in Expositions and shops. Other than works of art such as ceramics, metal wear, silks, ivory carvings, swords, sword fittings, enamels, netsuke and many more were the inro. The inro like netsuke “toggles” and tsubas “sword guards” were small and numerous items perfect for collecting. So many different sizes, shapes, and designs made it an almost addictive pastime.

Just like the 19th-century collectors, The Japanese Gallery is invested in collecting inro. Eight new inro will be added to the inro section soon. Here is a sneaky peek.