Catalogue of an exhibition of inro from the Ryukyu islands (today Okinawa), including 42 inro from museums worldwide and 46 inro from the collection of Heinz and Else Kress. Published at the occasion of the 4th International Conference of Okinawan Studies 2001/2002, Japanologisches Seminar, University of Bonn, in co-operation with the Kunst- und Ausstellungshalle der Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Introductory essay on culture and history of the Ryukyus by Prof. Josef Kreiner, director of the Department of Japanese Studies, University Bonn.
Examples range from of the finest quality inro, made to order for the court and shoguns, to colourful “mingei-style” (folk art) inro. All techniques found on Ryukyuan lacquer inro as well as carved wood inro are shown. Drawings and illustrations of all techniques seen on inro as well as on other lacquer objects.