Sell Inro

Sell your antique Japanese Inro

Do you own an antique Japanese Inro that you are considering selling?

Supein Nihonto buys authentic Japanese inro directly from private collectors, families, estates and dealers worldwide.

We are interested in individual pieces, signed and unsigned Inro, lacquer examples, works by recognised artists, complete sets with netsuke and ojime, inherited pieces and larger collections.

If you are unsure about the maker, technique, age or authenticity of your inro, send us clear photographs and we can assess it.

Request an evaluation

What Inro do we buy?

We consider a wide range of antique Japanese Inro, including:

Lacquer inro
Makie inro
Gold lacquer examples
Black lacquer inro
Shibayama-style decorated pieces
Inro with mother-of-pearl decoration
Inro with metal or shell inlay
Signed inro
Unsigned inro
Edo-period pieces
Meiji-period pieces
Inro with provenance
Inro preserved in storage boxes
Inro with netsuke and ojime
Individual pieces
Complete collections

We are primarily interested in genuine Japanese pieces with artistic, historical or collector value.

What is an Inro?

An Inro is a small traditional Japanese container composed of several interlocking compartments.

It was traditionally suspended from the obi by a cord and commonly used to carry small personal items.

The suspension system could also include:

A netsuke
An ojime
A cord
Other associated fittings

Over time, Inro developed into highly sophisticated objects of Japanese decorative art, particularly through the use of lacquer.

How an Inro is constructed

A traditional Inro is formed from several fitted sections stacked vertically.

The compartments should align correctly and close together precisely.

Important elements may include:

Upper and lower compartments
Internal chambers
Cord channels
Lacquered surfaces
Decorative panels
Signature areas
Suspension cord
Ojime
Netsuke

The quality of construction can be important when assessing the piece.

Please photograph the Inro both closed and opened.

What determines the value of an Inro?

The value of an antique Japanese Inro depends on several factors.

These may include:

Artist or workshop, historical period, quality of lacquer, decorative technique, complexity, subject, construction, number and condition of compartments, signature, originality, condition, associated ojime, associated netsuke, provenance, storage box, rarity, collector demand.

An elaborate design does not automatically mean that an Inro is valuable.

Quality of execution, authenticity and condition remain essential.

Lacquer and decorative techniques

Many of the most collectible Inro are distinguished by sophisticated Japanese lacquer techniques.

These may include:

Makie
Takamakie
Hiramakie
Togidashi makie
Nashiji
Raden
Gold lacquer
Silver lacquer
Mother-of-pearl inlay
Metal inlay
Carved lacquer
Mixed techniques

Some Inro combine several techniques within a single composition.

Detailed photographs taken under soft light are especially useful for evaluating lacquer surfaces.

Send details

Makie inro

Makie is one of the decorative techniques most closely associated with Japanese lacquerware.

Metal powders, particularly gold or silver, are applied to lacquer to create designs that can range from subtle flat decoration to highly raised relief.

The quality of Makie can vary considerably.

When assessing an Inro, we may consider:

Precision of the decoration, relief, surface finish, use of gold and silver, composition, detail, integration with other, techniques, condition.

Fine lacquer work can be one of the principal factors influencing collector interest.

Shibayama and inlaid Inro

Some Inro feature elaborate inlaid decoration using combinations of materials.

These may include:

Mother-of-pearl, shell, coral, metal, bone, other decorative materials.

Such pieces can be highly detailed and may depict:

Birds, flowers, landscapes, figures, animals, seasonal subjects.

Because small losses can occur in complex inlay work, detailed photographs are particularly important.

Signed and unsigned Inro

Many antique Inro are signed, although unsigned examples also exist.

A signature may provide information about:

Artist, workshop, school, period, decorative tradition.

However, a signature alone does not establish authenticity or value.

We assess the complete object, including:

Lacquer quality, construction, decoration, technique, condition, signature, period, provenance, artistic quality.

Fine unsigned inro can also be highly collectible.

Request an evaluation

Inro with Netsuke and Ojime

Some Inro survive together with their original or historically associated Netsuke and Ojime.

If you have a complete set, please keep the pieces together.

Photograph:

The inro
Netsuke
Ojime
Cord
Complete suspended ensemble

The relationship between these objects can provide important historical and collector context.

Do not separate a complete group before it has been assessed.

Send details

The Ojime

An Ojime is the sliding bead used on the cord between the inro and Netsuke.

Although small, an ojime can itself be finely made and collectible.

Materials may include:

Metal
Glass
Stone
Wood
Lacquer
Other decorative materials

If your Inro retains an Ojime, include detailed photographs of it.

Request an evaluation

Inro subjects and motifs

Inro decoration can depict an enormous range of subjects.

These may include:

Birds, flowers, plants, landscapes, animals, dragons, shishi, insects, samurai, literary scenes, historical figures, religious subjects, seasonal motifs, everyday Japanese life.

The artistic treatment of the subject can be more important than the subject itself.

Inherited Inro

Many antique Inro are inherited without any detailed information.

You do not need to know:

The artist
The period
The lacquer technique
Whether the signature is genuine
Whether the netsuke belongs to the Inro
The current market value

Clear photographs are normally sufficient for an initial assessment.

Send details

How the selling process works

Complete the form and upload clear photographs of the Inro and any associated pieces or documentation.

We assess construction, lacquer, decoration, condition, signature, attribution and collector interest.

We may request more photographs, dimensions or information about provenance and associated pieces.

If the Inro is of interest and an agreement is reached, we will explain the next steps for payment and secure delivery.

Edo and Meiji-period inro

Both Edo and Meiji-period inro can be collectible.

Edo-period examples are often closely connected with traditional use and the culture of wearing sagemono.

Meiji-period pieces can display exceptionally elaborate craftsmanship and decorative techniques.

Period alone does not determine quality or value.

We assess each piece individually.

Inro with provenance

Documented ownership can be important for collectible Japanese lacquerware.

Relevant provenance may include:

Previous collectors
Dealer invoices
Old auction records
Exhibition history
Published catalogues
Collection labels
Family documentation
Photographs
Old correspondence

Please send whatever documentation you have, even if it appears incomplete.

What photographs should i send?

Please send:

Front
Back
Both sides
Top
Bottom
Inro opened
Individual compartments
Interior
Signature
Detailed decoration
Any damage
Ojime
Netsuke
Cord
Storage box
Labels
Provenance documentation

Sharp close-up photographs are especially helpful for lacquer techniques and signatures.

Send details

Condition and restoration

We also consider Inro that are not in perfect condition.

Possible condition issues include:

Surface wear
Lacquer loss
Fine cracks
Small chips
Missing inlay
Worn gold decoration
Separation between components
Old repairs
Historical restoration
Cord replacement

Condition can significantly affect value, but an imperfect inro may still be historically or artistically important.

Do not polish or restore an antique Inro

Please avoid attempting restoration before assessment.

Do not:

Polish lacquer aggressively
Apply oils
Repaint losses
Reglue loose decoration unnecessarily
Replace original elements
Remove old labels

Intervention can alter the original surface and potentially reduce both historical information and collector interest.

Sell an Inro collection

We also purchase collections containing multiple antique Inro and related Japanese objects.

These may include:

Lacquer inro, makie inro, signed examples, unsigned examples, inro with netsuke, ojime, netsuke collections, sagemono, boxed pieces, pieces with provenance, complete private ,collections.

For larger collections, you do not need to prepare a professional catalogue.

Overview photographs and detailed images of the most important pieces are sufficient for the initial contact.

What our customers say

SupeinNihonto was born from years of dedication to traditional Japanese martial arts such as Aikido, Kendo, and Iaido, and a deep passion for collecting authentic samurai weapons and armor.

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      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 26 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Stephan S 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent dealer of Japanese antiques. Absolutely trustworthy with a superb selection.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Meixia l 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 我是一名常驻中国的室内设计师。当时我正在为一位客户的办公室寻找正宗的日本藏品，偶然了解到了Supein Nihonto。我们当时专门想找两套武士铠甲，将其作为空间的视觉核心。
整个合作过程中，埃里克提供了极大的帮助。他解答了我关于铠甲的各类疑问，包括铠甲的历史背景、尺寸规格、陈列方式以及物流运输等问题。尽管我们身处不同国家，他把所有事宜都处理得清晰明了。
铠甲如期送达，摆放在完工后的办公室里效果十分惊艳。最重要的是，我的客户对最终效果非常满意。
这次合作体验极佳。今后如果有室内设计项目需要采购正宗日本古董，我一定会再次选择这家。
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   May G 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great atention from the stuff, all the question was nicelly answered and the armor was very decorative and real gorgeous piece of art. Very happy with everything! Many thanks Supein nihonto!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Erika L 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Compré una armadura Gusoku y todo muy bien, tenía algunas preguntas y Eric ha sido capaz de contestar todo lo que no sabía, llegó todo muy bien embalado y bastante rápido. El Kabuto es muy bonito y está muy bien conservado.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Eric T 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. J'ai pu échanger de visu avec Eric. C'est un vrai passionné, qui maîtrise son sujet. Je le recommande vivement, surtout dans ce milieu ou le meilleur se mélange avec les pires escrocs
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Daniel L 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Hervorragende Dienstleistung, Qualität und persönliche Betreuung! Ich habe bereits drei Stücke von Supein Nihonto gekauft und hatte nie Probleme. Nach schlechten Erfahrungen mit anderen japanischen Händlern – lange Lieferzeiten und sogar ein verlorenes Paket – bin ich zu dieser Firma gewechselt. Ich werde ihnen treu bleiben und meine bereits beeindruckende Sammlung weiter ausbauen.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mik B 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ho acquistato da Eric un’armatura samurai di grande fascino e qualità, e l’esperienza è stata eccellente sotto ogni aspetto.

Fin dal primo contatto si è dimostrato estremamente professionale, competente e disponibile nel fornire tutte le informazioni richieste, accompagnandomi con trasparenza durante l’intero processo di acquisto. L’oggetto ricevuto corrisponde perfettamente alla descrizione e alle aspettative, con una cura nei dettagli che testimonia una profonda conoscenza del settore.

Ho particolarmente apprezzato la serietà, la correttezza commerciale e l’attenzione riservata al cliente, qualità oggi sempre più rare da trovare. La spedizione è stata accurata e l’armatura è arrivata in perfette condizioni.

Consiglio vivamente Eric a collezionisti, appassionati di arte e cultura giapponese e a chiunque sia alla ricerca di oggetti autentici e di alto livello.

Grazie ancora per questa splendida acquisizione che rappresenta uno dei pezzi più interessanti della mia collezione.

Mik – Roma, Italia
  
 
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   Emanuele S 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an excellent experience with Supein Nihoto. I purchased a katana and a wakizashi, and both pieces are truly beautiful — carefully selected and of remarkable quality. You can immediately see the attention to detail and the seller’s passion for what he offers.

The packaging was also exceptional: all the documentation was perfectly arranged in a refined envelope, which added a very elegant touch to the whole experience.

As a thoughtful gesture, he even included a small katana kake stand as a gift, which I greatly appreciated.

Beyond the objects themselves, the seller was very helpful, responsive, and clearly knowledgeable. His selection is outstanding, and you can tell he deals in genuinely fine items.

Highly recommended — I would definitely purchase from Supein Nihoto again
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Dimitrios K 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Legit dealer of Japanese treasures ! This man loves his work is not just reselling items, at first he is a collector and does this out of true passion.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Burke J 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I received a beautiful tokubetsu hozon nihonto for Christmas from Supein.  Actually my wife purchased the sword after receiving some helpful hints and recommendations lol.  She knows absolutely nothing about nihonto but Supein walked her through everything honestly and I ended up with something beyond my dreams and expectations, honestly.  The packing was exceptional, shipping fast and the sword itself a literal work of art.  Supein has a lifetime customer now as my collection grows. Thank you!
  
 
  
  
 
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Sell your antique Japanese Inro

What Inro do we buy?

What is an Inro?

How an Inro is constructed

What determines the value of an Inro?

Lacquer and decorative techniques

Makie inro

Shibayama and inlaid Inro

Signed and unsigned Inro

Inro with Netsuke and Ojime

The Ojime

Inro subjects and motifs

Inherited Inro

How the selling process works

Edo and Meiji-period inro

Inro with provenance

What photographs should i send?

Condition and restoration

Do not polish or restore an antique Inro

Sell an Inro collection

Sell your Inro

What our customers say

Samurai Art & Arms

Nihonto

Tosogu

Armor

Japanese Art & Culture

Ukiyo-e

Inro

Netsuke

Noh Masks

Sell Inro

Sell your antique Japanese Inro

What Inro do we buy?

What is an Inro?

How an Inro is constructed

What determines the value of an Inro?

Lacquer and decorative techniques

Makie inro

Shibayama and inlaid Inro

Signed and unsigned Inro

Inro with Netsuke and Ojime

The Ojime

Inro subjects and motifs

Inherited Inro

How the selling process works

Edo and Meiji-period inro

Inro with provenance

What photographs should i send?

Condition and restoration

Do not polish or restore an antique Inro

Sell an Inro collection

Sell your Inro

What our customers say