The size of this inro is 1 3/4" long by 1 1/4" wide by 1/2" thick and was clearly meant for use by a child.The inro is executed in Tsushu lacquer and has elaborate carving on both sides and both ends. One side has a scene of four men, two of which are playing Go. The other side has a man playing the elongated stringed instrument called a Koto.The top and bottom are also carved with figures of men, one is standing and the other is sitting. There is some natural rubbing to the design that has created a negoro-like effect with an under layer of black lacquer showing through in some spots. There is one small old repair on one side where a chip has been filled with a spot of red lacquer. Amazingly good condition for an inro that we believe dates from the late Edo period, circa 1800-1850 and would have had wear from a child. We do not believe the string is the original - there is a tiny ojime bead inside the inro.

Japanese carved cinnabar lacquer is known as Tsuishu.This technique was adapted from the Chinese carved cinnabar style by the Japanese in the late 15th century. To achieve a carvable thickness, from one hundred to three hundred coats of lacquer were applied to the wood and lacquer base. Each layer then had to dry and be lightly polished before the next could be added. Since each layer hardens slowly, only one layer could be added a day. After all the layers were applied, the artist could at last draw his design and begin carving. These difficult techniques became the special preserve of a family whose members each took the name Tsuishu Yosei. Tsuishu literally means "layered red".