Rectangular suzuribako (box for writing implements) with kabusebuta (overhanging lid), the lid with beveled edges and angled corners, the exterior finished in polished black roiro lacquer and gold hirame flakes,...
Rectangular suzuribako (box for writing implements) with kabusebuta (overhanging lid), the lid with beveled edges and angled corners, the exterior finished in polished black roiro lacquer and gold hirame flakes, decorated in gold and silver hiramaki-e and takamaki-e with a partially unrolled kakemono (hanging scroll), a rolled makimono (handscroll), and a habōki (feather duster); the interior finished in gold nashiji flakes set in translucent lacquer, the interior of the lid decorated in gold and silver hiramaki-e and takamaki-e and kirigane (individually cut and inlaid gold-foil pieces) with a flowering cherry tree and willow tree below stylized cloud motifs, the interior of the box with scattered cherry blossoms and petals, set with a frame incorporating two brush-rests, a suzuri (ink-grinding stone), and a gilt-copper suiteki (water-dropper) with a shakudō (gold-copper alloy) swallow flying over waves, the rising sun in the background; the rims of the box and lid finished in gold lacquer.
Comes with a fitted lacquered paulownia-wood storage box inscribed Kakemono onsuzuribako (Writing box with hanging scroll) and paper label inscribed Hirameji kakejiku makimono mikaeshi ōju maki-e suzuribako (Hirame-ground maki-e writing box with hanging scroll and handscroll, the reverse of the lid with a cherry tree)
Published/provenance: Tokyo Art Club, Auction of the collections of the Yagi family and another ancient family, auction catalogue, Tokyo, sale 18 June 1940, lot 132: Hirame-ground maki-e writing box with maki-e hanging scroll, the reverse in nashiji ground with maki-e willow and cherry; with the sale receipt for 1,789 yen, purchased by Koyama.
Tokyo National Museum, Nihon no bi (Beauty of Japan), exhibition catalogue, Tokyo, 1995, cat. no. 52
Exhibited: Nihon no bi (Beauty of Japan), museum touring exhibition, 1995