An exquisite lacquer bunko 文庫 (document box) decorated with quails and autumn grasses. Rectangular in form with rounded corners and flush-fitting lid, fitted with a silver mount. Shows five quails 鶉 (uzura), depicted standing and in flight within a stylised rocky landscape. The decoration continues uninterrupted over the sides, where four additional quails appear. Finely executed in shades of golden takamaki-e 高蒔絵 and hiramaki-e 平蒔絵 on a rôiro 蝋色 (black lacquer) ground subtly enriched with e-nashiji 絵梨子地 and kirigane 切金 flakes. The interior of the lid presents a nocturnal scene of the seven herbs of autumn 秋の七草 (aki no nanakusa), set beneath a silver moon and drifting clouds. This scene is rendered on a warm brown lacquer ground. Period: Japan – First half 19th century (Late Edo period) Dimensions: Height 15.6 cm, Width 35.4 cm, Depth 42 cm In very good condition, with only minimal signs of wear, including a few light surface scratches. Please refer to the photos for a clear condition reference. Accompanied by a fitted red lacquered wooden tomobako 共箱 (storage box) inscribed: “A document box with quail design in hirame maki-e lacquer” 鶉乃蒔絵付、平目地御文庫. Tomobako with wear. When shipped, we will include a certificate of authenticity.