Four-case inro showing a pair of Ho-o birds perched on rocks, clouds, wave pattern, 18th-19th century
Fusenexpand_more
Lacquer (hiramaki-e, takamaki-e, kinji), silver, red, kirigane, gold foilexpand_more
Gift of the Clark Center for Japanese Art & Culture; formerly given to the Center by the Peter B. McCord Collectionexpand_more 2013.29.1079.1a-f
Not on Viewexpand_more
This ornate inrō shows two phoenixes in gold takamaki-e with red lacquer accents. Kirigane sheets add texture to the seaside rocks that the mystical birds perch upon, and the wandering clouds that obscure the delicately rendered golden waves. Silver powder adds definition and dimension to the edges of the otherwise monochromatic design. The phoenix is a mythical creature imbued with a variety of symbolic meanings. It is one of the four heavenly animals that preside over the cardinal directions—a tortoise wrapped by a snake for North, a dragon for East, the phoenix for South, and a white tiger for West—and is more generally seen to bring good luck and long life. This inrō shows a few of the bird’s storied composite features, such as the head of a pheasant, the long plumage reminiscent of a peacock, a cock’s comb, and the beak of a swallow.
Details
- Title
- Four-case inro showing a pair of Ho-o birds perched on rocks, clouds, wave pattern
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2013.29.1079.1a-f
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know
Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.