Japanese Rinpa Style Lacquer Ink Stone Box Suzuribako

A Japanese writing box with ink stone (known as Suzuribako) with exquisite maki-e decoration circa late Meiji to early Taisho period (1890s-1930s). The box features rounded exterior corner, an interior frame that holds ink stone and a silvered bronze water-dropper (Suiteki). Both the exterior and interior sides of the lid were beautifully decorated with Maki-e that depicts hanging guards on flowering vines, using high-relief gold takamaki-e contrasting with pewter and MOP shell inlay (Kanagai and Raden in Japanese respectively). The design is of classic Rinpa School, stylized, graphic and bold, focus more on the conceptual essence of beauty without overly concerning the minute details. The use of the gold, slightly burnished, inlaid pewter and shells, managed to create a harmonious and striking overall effect . The exterior is of a dense nashiji on a subdued brown background, in contrast with the interior of a black lacquer background with sparse sprinkles of gold powder, making it interesting visually when one opens the lid.
The suzuribako comes with a wood storage box that has wear and crack (appears original) and a purple wrapping silk panel (fukusa) with a family crest.