inro, netsuke, ojime, unknown maker from Japan

Artwork Overview

inro, netsuke, ojime
inro, netsuke, ojime
inro, netsuke, ojime
early 1800s, Edo period (1600–1868)
inro, netsuke, ojime , early 1800s, Edo period (1600–1868)
Where object was made: Japan
Material/technique: ivory; ebony
Dimensions:
Object Diameter/Depth (Diameter x Depth): 6.5 x 2.5 cm
Object Diameter/Depth (Diameter x Depth): 3.7 x 1.5 cm
Credit line: William Bridges Thayer Memorial
Accession number: 1928.0021.a,b,c
Not on display
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Archive Label 2003: Ivory inlay set in ebony wood gives life to this “hundred”-legged creature. In the Japanese tradition adopted from China, centipedes are one of the five Poisons along with vipers, scorpions, toads, and spiders. Any of these five, however, can be used in a talismanic fashion as protection, or to ward off evil spirits and bad luck. Since inro- were used to carry herbal medicines, the choice of such a talisman to decorate this one makes sense.