Decorated in gold and silver hiramaki-e, takamaki-e, togidashi, mura-nashiji, kirikane, with mother-of-pearl inlays on a black ground depicting the underwater dragon palace (Ryugu-jo), surrounded by a spray of mura-nashiji, crashing waves and rocks; nashiji interiors and risers, fundame rims, attached marble stone ojime
8.8 cm. (3¹⁄₂ in.) high

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Lot Essay

The residence of the Dragon King (Ryujin) is commonly depicted as a grand Chinese-style palace, surrounded by crashing waves or located in the depths of the ocean. Ryugu-jo is the site of several folktales and stories, including "Urashima Taro" and "The Tale of Tawara Toda" (Tawara Toda monogatari). Each side of the inro is decorated with ryugumon [lit. gates of the dragon palace], a sort of tower gate (romon) associated with the mythical palace.