The inro is a container made up of tiers. Japanese men used them because the traditional Japanese garment, the kimono, had no pockets. From the late 1500s onwards, Japanese men wore the inro suspended from their sash by a silk cord and a netsuke (toggle). They originally used it to hold 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.
Makers used a great variety of decorative styles and layout. This inro is most unusual because both the front and back are undecorated. Instead, the maker has focused on the top of the inro and the two narrow sides. He has decorated each side with a hanging bunch of wisteria. It is coming into flower from the top downwards, while the bottom is still in blossom.