A GOLD-LACQUER SUZURIBAKO (BOX FOR WRITING UTENSILS) Meiji (1868-1912) or...
A GOLD-LACQUER SUZURIBAKO (BOX FOR WRITING UTENSILS)
Meiji (1868-1912) or Taisho (1912-1926) era, probably early 20th century
The exterior of the kabusebuta (overhanging lid) decorated in predominantly gold takamaki-e with details inlaid in shell, e-nashiji, and kirikane, the lid with stalks of chrysanthemums bending over an elaborate bamboo fence embellished with hanabishi-mon (flowery-diamond crests), the design continuing over the sides, the canted edges of the lid lacquered with karakusa ('Chinese grasses'), the inside of the box embellished with gnarled plum branches overhanging a similarly ornate fence and over a meandering stream, the inside of the box with a removable en-suite ita (baseboard) lacquered to match with sparse sprigs of chrysanthemums on a rich nashiji ground, fitted with a suzuri (ink-grinding stone), a silver and gold suiteki (water dropper) in the form of clustered chrysanthemum heads, two nashiji-lacquered fude (writing brushes), and a matching tosu (paper knife), unsigned; with an inner wood storage box and an outer lacquered-wood storage box, both inscribed outside the lid Hinagiku maki-e suzuribako (Maki-e box for writing utensils with design of chrysanthemums). 3.5cm x 22.7cm x 20cm (1½in x 8 7/8in x 7 7/8in). (10).
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A GOLD-LACQUER SUZURIBAKO (BOX FOR WRITING UTENSILS)
Meiji (1868-1912) or Taisho (1912-1926) era, probably early 20th century
The exterior of the kabusebuta (overhanging lid) decorated in predominantly gold takamaki-e with details inlaid in shell, e-nashiji, and kirikane, the lid with stalks of chrysanthemums bending over an elaborate bamboo fence embellished with hanabishi-mon (flowery-diamond crests), the design continuing over the sides, the canted edges of the lid lacquered with karakusa ('Chinese grasses'), the inside of the box embellished with gnarled plum branches overhanging a similarly ornate fence and over a meandering stream, the inside of the box with a removable en-suite ita (baseboard) lacquered to match with sparse sprigs of chrysanthemums on a rich nashiji ground, fitted with a suzuri (ink-grinding stone), a silver and gold suiteki (water dropper) in the form of clustered chrysanthemum heads, two nashiji-lacquered fude (writing brushes), and a matching tosu (paper knife), unsigned; with an inner wood storage box and an outer lacquered-wood storage box, both inscribed outside the lid Hinagiku maki-e suzuribako (Maki-e box for writing utensils with design of chrysanthemums). 3.5cm x 22.7cm x 20cm (1½in x 8 7/8in x 7 7/8in). (10).
