An intricate and artistically-carved Japanese Inro of a leaping carp that is a classic symbol of longevity and prosperity.

 

A light-colored hard wood has been hand carved in the shape of a leaping carp. The carp is an inro with a top lid and a bottom receptacle. There is a string with an ojime bead and a netsuke button for carrying.

 

The inro can stand upright on the front fins for display.

 

There is a Japanese two-character signature of the artist under the fish’s mouth.

 

An inro is a small, decorative case that was regularly worn by Japanese men and women until into the 20th C. It was worn at the waist of a kimono to carry small items like medicine or seals. Inro were attached to the kimono sash with a silk cord and secured with a netsuke. Inros were often very beautifully carved or decorated out of materials believed to possess magical and medicinal properties, or be significant to the wearer.

 

 

Body is 4 5/8 in (11.7 cm) long.

Entire Inro – 11 ½ in (29.2 cm) long.

Weighs 2.4 oz (70 g)

 

 

There are no breaks, chips, cracks, or repairs. The wood netsuke has a crack. The cord shows a little wear but is still perfectly functional.

 

A Japanese work of art by a skilled artisan. I love the image of the leaping carp.