SAGEMONO: Inro 提物（印籠)

SAGEMONO: Inro 提物（印籠) Mumei- 無銘 Wave and Dragon Motif Inro (Nami Ryū Zu Inro) From a curatorial perspective, a notable detail immediately emerges when pairing this piece with the tomobako (storage box) you shared previously. The calligraphy on the box lid explicitly translates to 浪龍図鐔 (Nami Ryū Zu Tsuba—Wave and Dragon Motif Tsuba). Because the object pictured here is an inro (a traditional tiered carrying case) and not a sword guard, it is highly likely that this is a "married" set. A previous collector likely paired this exceptional inro with the box because their motifs match perfectly. Despite the box originally belonging to a tsuba, the piece itself is a magnificent example of Edo-period craftsmanship that bridges the worlds of lacquerware and tosogu artistry. It serves as a highly compelling subject for high-contrast documentation or inclusion in a specialized exhibition catalog like The Black Book of the Dragon Tosogu. Here is a detailed curatorial description: Form and Construction This is a sophisticated five-case (four compartments plus a lid) gold lacquer inro. The cases fit together seamlessly, held by a purple silk cord (himo) that runs through the side channels (himo-toshi), allowing the tiered compartments to slide open. Lacquer Work (Maki-e) The foundational ground of the inro is finished in luminous gold lacquer. The surface is decorated with dynamic, stylized waves (nami) and swirling storm clouds, rendered using gold and silver dust sprinkled into the lacquer—a technique known as maki-e. The continuous flow of the clouds and water across the segmented cases demonstrates precise alignment and masterful planning by the lacquer artist. Metalwork Inlay (Kanagu) The focal point of the inro is the spectacular metalwork dragon (ryū) applied in high relief (takabori). The dragon weaves in and out of the lacquer clouds, breaking the boundaries of the individual cases. Material: The dragon appears to be crafted from shakudo (a copper-gold alloy patinated to a deep, purplish-black), creating a striking visual contrast against the gold background. Detailing: The scales, claws, and facial features of the dragon are sharply chiseled with the same precision expected from high-level sword fittings. Gold accents highlight the dragon's eyes and horns, bringing a fierce vitality to the mythical creature. It is quite common for master machibori (town-carving) sword fitting artisans to have collaborated with lacquerers to produce metal inlays for high-end inro like this one. Provenance Context While the tomobako may be a later marriage to this inro, the box itself carries significant historical weight. The underside of the lid bears the character 光 (Mitsu / Kō) followed by a highly stylized 花押 (Kaō / monogram). This indicates that the box—and the dragon tsuba it originally held—was formally appraised and authenticated by a mainline grandmaster of either the Gotō family (the Shogunate's premier metalworkers) or the Hon'ami family (the foremost sword appraisers in Japan).