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Japanese Rinpa Style Lacquer Ink Stone Box Suzuribako

Origin

Japan

Period

1900-1919

Materials

wood, lacquer, mop

Dimensions

W.	8.5 in;	H.	1.5 in;	D.	10 in;
W.	21.59 cm;	H.	3.81 cm;	D.	25.4 cm;

Condition

Good. Minute edge nicks and small old impact marks on the right top and the gourd over the lid. One corner of the base has an stress crack with an old restoration. Scattered touchups. Contact wear on the base. Fukusa and box with wear and separation.

Creation Date

c.1890-1930s

Description

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.

Styles / Movements

Asian, Bespoke, Traditional

Patterns

Asian/Oriental, Florals/Botanical, Geometric, Handmade

Incollect Reference Number

483491