Early 18th century
Inro with Design of Hollyhock Flowers and Buds
This inro (a compartmented container that would have been hung at the waist, and would have held medicine or other kinds of small objects) is decorated with a design of hollyhock flowers and buds. Ogata Körin looked to the bold style developed by Hon'ami Koetsu and Tawaraya Sotatsu for inspiration for his designs. He came from a family of textile designers and was raised in an atmosphere of privilege and artistic refinement. Neither Körin or his brother Kenzan had a head for business, however, and Körin began to paint and design textiles and lacquerware like this piece to help pay the bills.
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