Category: NETSUKES AND INROS

This is a Japanese Lacquer Box Inro with Netsuke from the Showa period. It has one compartment only. The Netsuke at the top is a carved dragon and the ojime is a brightly coloured wooden bead. These pouches were used to carry money, tobacco or medicine. I bought this at an Antique Centre in Camberwell in 2015 and was thrilled to get it.

Here are two carved  wooden Netsukes of Immortal Gods from Japan.  They were used to attach an Inro (purse like object) to the Obi (sash of the Kimono) They have two holes to thread the cord through.  The detail in the carving is cleverly done and they are little works of art.

Netsukes are the carved ornament at the top of the Japanese Inro which is used to hold medicine, money or tobacco.
These netsukes are modern and are made of carved Vegetable Ivory.
I really admire the detailed carving not only on the top but also on the bottom. (as seen in the pictures)
You can also see the two holes where the cord is threaded through.

This Japanese Inro (from the Showa period) has one compartment only where many have three or four.
The bead where the cord is threaded through is called an Ojime.
The carved dragon on the top is the Netsuke. This enables the cord to pass behind the sash (obi) of the kimono which stops it from slipping down.