Japanese Inro (Victoria and Albert Museum - Far Eastern Series) [Hardcover]

Julia Hutt (Author)

Book Description

Series: Victoria and Albert Museum - Far Eastern Series | Publication Date: August 1, 1997

This is a comprehensive study of the inro, the small lacquer container used by Japanese men wearing traditional dress to carry items in daily use, drawing on the V&A's collection. Suspended from the belt by means of a netsuke and originally intended to hold a seal and ink or a supply of medicines, the inro gradually developed as a highly decorative dress accessory and became an object of high fashion, which is now prized by collectors. The majority of inro were made of lacquer, and include some of the finest and most innovative examples of the Japanese lacquerer's craft. The book traces the diverse origins of the inro from around 1600 until the early-20th century, and includes sections on construction and techniques of manufacture, on materials used, as well as on individual craftsmen, with photographs of their signatures. The sources of inro designs are explored, from paintings, ukiyoe prints and woodblock-printed books, with many examples illustrated. Methods of dating are also discussed, making this a useful reference for collectors and experts, while those with a general interest in Japanese art should be drawn to the craftsmanship of the individual pieces.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Weatherhill (August 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 083480395X
• ISBN-13: 978-0834803954
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 8.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,490,456 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Oh wow, this book has so much info and inspiration. I love the history, December 31, 2008

By 

Lorraine Ortiz "LALA" (SF, CA. United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Japanese Inro (Victoria and Albert Museum - Far Eastern Series) (Hardcover)

Oh wow, this book has so much info and inspiration. I love the history and the photos. I have really enjoyed this book. I read it cover to cover upon receipt and pull it down from the shelves for a refresher regularly.