inro

American  

[in-roh] / ˈɪn roʊ /

noun

plural

inro

1. a small lacquer box with compartments for medicines, cosmetics, etc., worn on the waist sash of the traditional Japanese costume.

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Etymology

Origin of inro

1610–20; < Japanese inrō < Middle Chinese, equivalent to Chinese yìn signature seal, chop + lǒng round lidded container; the inro was originally used to carry one's chop

Example Sentences

In addition to netsuke, the collection includes inro — boxes held in place by a netsuke.

From Washington Post • Mar. 10, 2017

The inro from Evergreen features rare blue-lacquer work; the round netsuke, at the top of the cord, has a chrysanthemum design.

From Washington Post • Mar. 10, 2017

One within the other—like the little lacquered boxes of an inro?'

From Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan Second Series by Hearn, Lafcadio

Reggie collected Buddhas, Chinese snuff-bottles and lacquered medicine cases—called inro in Japanese.

From Kimono by Paris, John