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).
This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: *
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Including but not limited to the following:

Exterior: ever slight wear along the right lower edge of the cover, consistent with handling. Very slight minor wear to the nashiji on the mountains on the sides, the underside of the ita, and the base.

Interior: very good condition. The nashiji cover for the paper knife lost.