The inrō (印 籠), literally “basket (籠, rō) of seals (印, in)”, are small boxes originating in Japan with a utilitarian vocation.
As kimonos do not have a pocket, they are hung on the kimono belt (called obi) by a cord, to store various things. This cord is slipped between the belt and the garment. So that it does not fall, a cleat, usually a netsuke, blocks it at the upper edge of the obi.
Previous
Next