Box - Peony, Butterfly and Plum Chinkin Design Five-Tier Suzuri-bako with Eggshell Inlay (花蝶沈金彫 卵殻象嵌 重硯箱) - Okada Hyokan (岡田表寛)

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【Product details】

This elegant five-tier writing box set from the Meiji period features refined black lacquer decoration, intricate chinkin engraving and an eggshell inlay (Rankaku) band lining the edges of each tray. This traditional technique uses fragments of eggshell arranged in a mosaic pattern and sealed into the lacquer surface, creating a fine crackled highlight along the rim. The lid is decorated with a fan motif containing peonies and butterflies, while the side panels display plum branches rendered in delicate chinkin work. These motifs symbolize wealth, joy, endurance and unfolding good luck.

Okada Hyokan (d. 1913) belonged to a lineage of lacquer craftsmen associated with the “hyo-ha,” a tradition originating with the Kyoto lacquer master Kimura Hyōsai. The first generation, Kizemon, apprenticed under Hyōsai at the age of fifteen, and the family went on to specialise in lacquer work for tea utensils and fine furnishings.

This set consists of five tiers, each containing a suzuri (inkstone), a suiteki (water dropper) and a fitted lacquered board to hold them in place. The water droppers include motifs such as pine, fan and peony. The peony-shaped dropper appears to be silver, while the others seem to be made of copper, brass or pewter. Among the five inkstones, one is wooden and the remaining four are stone. The octagonal inkstone bears the signature “Sen” on the reverse. Inside the lid of the original storage box is the artist’s signature.

Signs of age include light surface wear, some discolouration to the eggshell inlay, a crack to the wooden inkstone, a few small chips to the stone inkstones and small dents to the fitted boards. The wooden storage box shows scuffs, minor scratches, some losses to the lacquer along the rim and one lifted area beneath the lid. Good antique condition with minor blemishes. Please check the photos for details.

Dimensions: approx. H 16.8 cm W 20 cm D 22.6 cm

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Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!