Inro, netsuke, and ojime: The inro (a) is of cylinder shaped carved bone, segmented into four compartments, w/ metal tubes attached to each as cord runners. Top and bottom compartments are closed by separate pieces attached. Interior of each is lacquered. Continuous incised design over all sections of a dragon amidst clouds, w/ a sword entwined by tail. The netsuke (b) is a manju type of dark wood in two pieces turned on a lathe, w/ deep incised scroll pattern design. The purple cord attaches to an inner loop of the under section, and passes thru a hole in the lower section. The ojime (c) is oval shaped metal w/ flat sides, and checkerboard pattern, L. (a) 8cm. W. 3.5cm.; Dia. (b): 4cm.; L. (c) 1cm. The dragon depicted is Amakurikara: rain Dragon. Kurikara rio "Dragon entwinning [entwining] a sword
Donor:
Design Department (UC Berkeley)
Collection place:
Japan
Verbatim coll. place:
Japan
Collector:
Bertha Taussig and Hugo Taussig
Collection date:
before 1933
Materials:
Bone (material), Gold (metal), Ivory (material), Metal, and Wood (plant material)
Object type:
ethnography
Object class:
Beads (pierced objects), Dragons, and Twined weaving
Function:
2.2 Personal Adornments and Accoutrements
Accession date:
1974
Context of use:
Originally, the inro was used for storing the seals used in officiating signatures. However, they were later adapted for use in carrying a variety of personal articals [articles] including medicines and herbs. Its use was almost universal in Japan, however this type was most popular amoung the warrior class and merchants as an adornment. For lack of a pocket, the netsuke was thrust thru the sash of the kimono for the support of the inro; the ojime is used for keeping the compartments closed by tightening the cords.