Inrō in the Shape of a House

Inrō in the Shape of a House

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Decorated with a combination of lacquer techniques in silver and gold, the inrô in the shape of a thatched hut bears the signature of Koami Shinsaburo. The ivory netsuke, signed by ôhara Mitsuhiro, depicts one of the Seven Gods of Good Luck known as Hotei. A rotund, jolly figure, Hotei's attributes often include a fan and a bag to carry his treasures.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Inrō in the Shape of a HouseInrō in the Shape of a HouseInrō in the Shape of a HouseInrō in the Shape of a HouseInrō in the Shape of a House

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.