{"product_id":"antique-late-edo-meiji-period-japanese-carved-ivory-inro-ojime-signed","title":"Antique late Edo\/Meiji period Japanese Carved Ivory Inro \u0026 Ojime | Signed.","description":"\u003cp\u003eRARE FIND — Antique late Edo\/Meiji period Japanese Carved Ivory Inro \u0026amp; Ojime | Signed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA truly captivating little treasure from old Japan!\u003cbr\u003ePresented here is an authentic antique Japanese inro keepsake holder, complete with its original ojime slider bead, both beautifully hand-carved from pre-ban ivory and suspended from a traditional brown woven silk cord for wear around the neck.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis round two-part inro displays expert low-relief carving depicting three wise, benevolent elders — likely representing figures from the Taoist\/Japanese Daoist Immortals tradition, symbols of long life, protection, and good fortune. Their expressive faces, flowing robes, and symbolic accessories are rendered with warm, time-worn patina and elegant detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo one side, a pair of hand-brushed kanji characters and a red artist’s seal mark identify the signature of the maker, adding great aesthetic and historical value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe small spherical ojime bead, also carved from ivory, functions as a sliding tension bead to keep the inro closed and secured during wear — just as originally intended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe inro opens at the equator to reveal a shallow inner cavity originally intended to hold small personal items, medicines, perfumed herbal powders, calligraphy seals, or charms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe inro (印籠) is a traditional Japanese personal container used from the Edo period (1603–1868) onward.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause traditional kimono lacked pockets, men and women wore small containers suspended from the obi sash. The inro became the most elegant and collectible of these accessories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistorically, an inro consisted of stacked small compartments held together by a cord. It was secured by:\u003cbr\u003e1. Netsuke (toggle) at the top, keeping the cord from slipping through the obi\u003cbr\u003e2. Ojime (bead) which slides to lock the compartments closed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComparable small ivory inro from the late Edo–Meiji era (19th c.) can retail anywhere from R4,000 – R15,000+ depending on workmanship, material, and signature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeasurements : The inro measures 4.5cm in diameter and weight of 35grams.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Expedition With Jones","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50623039537458,"sku":null,"price":1395.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0871\/2110\/1106\/files\/20251111-171413.jpg?v=1763027122","url":"https:\/\/expeditionwithjones.com\/products\/antique-late-edo-meiji-period-japanese-carved-ivory-inro-ojime-signed","provider":"Expedition With Jones","version":"1.0","type":"link"}