Three-case inro in a shepe of bamboo

Inrō cases include netsuke at the top end of the cords and a sliding cord bead (ojime) below. These, too, were important fashion elements and made with all manner of techniques and care. The netsuke are considered art objects in their own right, many being sculpted from wood or ivory. The ojime were made of rare gems like coral or jade, as well as delicately fashioned metal or carved wood. In this piece, the inrō and the ojime are carved wood, while the netsuke is sculpted ivory, representing a puffed up sparrow.