Giant Inro In Roiro Lacquered Wood, Decor Kamon Kiku In Nashiji And Gold. Japan Edo Period.

Inro of exceptional dimensions with 3 boxes in black lacquered wood, decorated with chrysanthemum flowers with 32 petals in powdered lacquer on a background of geometric zigzags, details in Nashiji and nuances in silver powder. The chrysanthemum with 32 petals (2 rows of 16) was the Imperial symbol. This geometric decoration of zigzags is typical of the beginning of the 17th century during the short period of Momoyama. This inro with its giant dimensions certainly did not have the same function as its little sisters and was not hung from the belt. Perhaps it was used symbolically during Shinto ceremonies or was it carried by a colossal statue of a deity? Or more simply did it serve as an advertising item for an inros manufacturer? Its simple zigzag decoration, its solid construction and the use of silver powder allow us to think that this inro could date from the beginning of the 17th century. A photo shows us the inro next to another of normal size. Dimensions: 255x215mm Good condition, some small losses and wear, visible in the photos. No restorations, no regluing.