Two suzuribako (writing boxes)

Two suzuribako (writing boxes)
Edo period (1615-1868) and Meiji era (1868-1912), 19th/early 20th century)
The first of standard rounded rectangular form with kabusebuta (overhanging lid), the interior fitted with a frame holding the suzuri (ink-grinding stone) and silvered metal suiteki (water-dropper); the lacquer decoration executed in polished black roiro lacquer with gold takamaki-e, lead and shell, depicting rabbits and tokusa (scouring rush), both these motifs associated with the autumn moon, the interior of the box with grasses, the base finished in gold hirame lacquer, 4.5cm x 20.5cm x 23.7cm (2in x 8in x 9¾in); the second with kabusebuta (overhanging lid) with rounded edges, the interior in Rinpa-style layout with the suzuri (ink-grinding stone) and silver moon-shaped suiteki (water-dropper) set into a raised section to the left; the lacquer decoration executed in polished black roiro lacquer with gold and silver hiramaki-e and togidashi maki-e, depicting spring plants against bands of gold hirame, the interior with autumn plants and birds, the base finished in gold hirame lacquer, 4cm x 16.8cm x 24cm (1½in x 6 5/8in x 9½in); with two wood storage boxes, one with a paper label inscribed Akikusa maki-e suzuribako (Maki-e writing box with autumnal foliage). (9).