The inro is a tiered container that was traditionally worn by men only. Since the traditional Japanese garment, the kimono, had no pockets, men used the inro to carry their seal and ink or a supply of medicines. However it rapidly became a costly fashion accessory of little or no practical use.
Most inro are rectangular, with gently curving sides. Sometimes the entire body was modelled in the form of another object. In this particularly unusual example, the maker has carved the inro in the form of two overlapping inro. He must have been extremely skilful because the sections still open and close with precision. He has divided the surface into two distinct halves. A diagonal zigzag line separates and contrasts one half of mainly gold lacquer from one of black. This device dates back to the Momoyama period (1568-1615).