A Lacquer Writing Box (Suzuribako), Meiji period (late 19th century)
The rectangular writing box with flush-fitting cover is luxuriously decorated with scattered e-hon (illustrated books); some lying open, some closed; the interior of the box similarly decorated with scattered books
3.8 x 22.2 x 24.1 cm. (1 1/2 x 8 3/4 x 9 1/2 in.)
Further images
The box is decorated overall in gold, silver and black hiramaki-e, also with hirame and kirikane embellishments against a dense nashiji ground, the edges of the cover in gyobu-nashiji; the...
The box is decorated overall in gold, silver and black hiramaki-e, also with hirame and kirikane embellishments against a dense nashiji ground, the edges of the cover in gyobu-nashiji; the interior fitted with a removable tray, rectangular inkstone and silvered-copper water-dropper (suiteki) incised with chrysanthemums, with two writing brushes, paper knife and paper pricker