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

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

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

From Washington Post • Mar. 10, 2017

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

From Kimono by Paris, John

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

From Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan Second Series by Hearn, Lafcadio