| Antique lacquer was always highly valued for its | | | | firstly pick up the netsuke, or manju, then to hold |
| lasting qualities and strength. A very high gloss could | | | | and use the silk cord to turn the inro around to look |
| be achieved, proving impervious to alcohol, acids and | | | | at the other side when inspecting Inro, rather than to |
| hot liquids. It would also have appealed to the Zen | | | | finger the lacquer, as there is something in our |
| Buddhism ideals of 'Yin and Yang', as lacquer appears | | | | perspiration that dulls the shine in time. As an |
| to be so delicately beautiful and light in weight. Yet, it | | | | alternative some people only handle lacquer whilst |
| is hard, impermeable and enduring. | | | | wearing very soft gloves. |
| However great care still needs to be taken when | | | | All lacquer is best kept in a reasonably humid |
| handling antique Japanese lacquer inro (especially | | | | atmosphere, avoiding any sudden changes of |
| when complete with ojime and a netsuke, or manju) | | | | temperature. In some climates this is difficult to |
| as the inro can so easily be damaged by knocks. The | | | | arrange, without having good airconditioning. It is also |
| most common cause of damage occurs when an inro | | | | a good idea to keep a bowl, or two, of water where |
| is first picked up. If the netsuke, or manju, is allowed | | | | ever the inro are stored, but even more important to |
| to swing and bump into the inro, the lacquer will | | | | avoid the use of any hot spot lights within the same |
| certainly dent and worse still might chip. | | | | cabinet. |
| The best and correct way to pick up an inro, is to | | | | |