Japanese Inro - Elegance in Miniature
Malcolm Fairley is pleased to present a refined selection of Japanese inro, showcasing the exquisite artistry and functional beauty of these miniature containers. Originally worn as part of traditional dress, Japanese inro evolved into masterpieces of lacquer craftsmanship, admired by collectors for their narrative detail and intricate construction.
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Four case gold lacquer inro with Geometric Panels
Jokasai
Three case lacquer inro worked in gold and coloured taka-maki-e
Obara Masatoshi
A shibuichi two case inro carved with Daruma with inlaid gold eyes and earring
Yutokusai Hogyoku
Four case gold lacquer inro
SOLD Kofu
Five case lacquer inro with dragon and tiger
Meiji Period, circa 1900
What Is a Japanese Inro?
A traditional Japanese inro consists of stacked compartments, held together with a silk cord and secured with an ojime bead and netsuke toggle. Designed, in place of pockets, to carry small personal items such as medicines, they were worn at the waist by men during the Edo and Meiji periods. Over time, they became highly decorative, reflecting the wearer's status, taste and appreciation of fine art.
Meiji Period Japanese Inro
The Meiji era (1868–1912) was a golden age for the creation of Japanese inro, during which master lacquer artists pushed the boundaries of design, materials and storytelling. These inro often featured complex maki-e techniques, inlaid metalwork and imagery drawn from folklore, nature and seasonal themes. Our collection focuses on this pinnacle of craftsmanship and cultural significance.
Why Collect Japanese Inro?
To collect Japanese inro is to engage with an art form that is both intimate and intellectually rich. Each inro tells a story, be it mythological, poetic or seasonal, captured through meticulous layers of lacquer and embellishment. Their size belies their artistic complexity, making them both accessible and endlessly fascinating to connoisseurs.
Our Curated Selection
At Malcolm Fairley, we offer Japanese inro chosen for their rarity, condition and provenance. Many of our examples have been featured in publications or museum exhibitions and represent the finest expressions of lacquer artistry from the Meiji period. We welcome inquiries from collectors seeking one-of-a-kind additions to their collections.
Visit Us in Central London
We invite you to experience the beauty of Japanese inro in person at our gallery in St. James’s, Central London or via private appointment.