Zohiko - Nishimura Hikobei IX - Stationery box - Lacquer
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Japanese lacquer suzuribako by Zohiko, Kyoto, with maki-e gold decoration of a peony and chrysanthemums on a nashiji ground, containing ink stone and water dropper fittings, unused and accompanied by the original signed tomobako, dimensions 4 × 13.5 × 24 cm.
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Description from the seller
Item Description
This is a fine Japanese writing box (suzuribako) produced by the Kyoto lacquerware house Zohiko (象彦), created under the ninth-generation master 西村彦兵衛 Nishimura Hikobei IX.
The rectangular box is finished in black lacquer, with the lid decorated in gold maki-e depicting a flowering peony (botan) surrounded by chrysanthemums and autumn grasses. The lower portion of the design is set against a nashiji (pear-skin) ground, in which fine gold and reddish-brown flakes are suspended in lacquer to create a shimmering textured surface, a hallmark of high-end Kyoto lacquerware.
Inside the box, the black lacquer interior is trimmed in gold, and fittings for an ink stone and water dropper are built into the tray. The piece is presented as unused and is accompanied by its original tomobako (signed wooden storage box), confirming authorship and enhancing its collectible value.
Zohiko is one of Kyoto's most celebrated lacquerware ateliers, founded in 1661 and continuously operated by successive generations bearing the name Hikobei for over 360 years. The house was granted the imperial title of "Makie-tsukasa" (Master of Maki-e) by the emperor in earlier generations, and later heads served as purveyors to the Imperial Household and prominent families such as Mitsui and Sumitomo. Elaborately decorated suzuribako of this kind have long been a signature product of the workshop.
Size
Height: 4 cm
Width: 13.5 cm
Depth: 24 cm
Weight
494 g
Condition
The box is unused and in excellent overall condition, with no notable flaws or discoloration observed. As with any lacquerware, very light handling marks consistent with careful storage may be present but are not considered significant.
Additional Information
Maker: Zohiko (象彦), Kyoto — work by Nishimura Hikobei IX
Country: Japan
Materials: Urushi lacquer, gold maki-e, nashiji ground
Provenance: Accompanied by the original signed tomobako (storage box)
NOITICE:
The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation.
It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally.
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping.
I appreciate your cooperation.
Seller's Story
We have been experienced as an antique dealer for more than a decade, we select and purchase high-quality products from all over Japan. I carefully select items with good taste, whether famous or not. I offer you an encounter with unknown Japanese goods.
Owner Profile
Name: Michito Nagahiro
Born in 1986 in Sapporo, Hokkaido. From an early age, I have been fascinated by the beautiful and practical designs of Japanese art, antiques, and consumer products, as well as the mindset and dedication of craftsmen and artists. I frequently visited museums and solo exhibitions as part of my daily life.
In 2012, under the guidance of a top mentor in the industry, I established myself as an antique dealer, handling a wide range of items, including Japanese antiques and artworks. Since 2017, I have specialized in selling Japanese antiques and fine art, primarily in Europe, achieving over 20,000 successful sales to date.
In 2019, I launched a completely free service to support individuals in Japan who experience loneliness. This initiative involves personally visiting people, engaging in conversations, sharing meals, and, if necessary, providing career advice. More than 1,000 people reach out to me annually for support.
Additionally, I am committed to promoting and supporting the sales of emerging artists whose work has not yet received public recognition. My philosophy goes beyond merely selling objects—I strive to convey the stories, history, and emotions embedded in each piece. By doing so, I aim to connect people with the lives of the artists and bring inspiration to those who encounter their work.
Item Description
This is a fine Japanese writing box (suzuribako) produced by the Kyoto lacquerware house Zohiko (象彦), created under the ninth-generation master 西村彦兵衛 Nishimura Hikobei IX.
The rectangular box is finished in black lacquer, with the lid decorated in gold maki-e depicting a flowering peony (botan) surrounded by chrysanthemums and autumn grasses. The lower portion of the design is set against a nashiji (pear-skin) ground, in which fine gold and reddish-brown flakes are suspended in lacquer to create a shimmering textured surface, a hallmark of high-end Kyoto lacquerware.
Inside the box, the black lacquer interior is trimmed in gold, and fittings for an ink stone and water dropper are built into the tray. The piece is presented as unused and is accompanied by its original tomobako (signed wooden storage box), confirming authorship and enhancing its collectible value.
Zohiko is one of Kyoto's most celebrated lacquerware ateliers, founded in 1661 and continuously operated by successive generations bearing the name Hikobei for over 360 years. The house was granted the imperial title of "Makie-tsukasa" (Master of Maki-e) by the emperor in earlier generations, and later heads served as purveyors to the Imperial Household and prominent families such as Mitsui and Sumitomo. Elaborately decorated suzuribako of this kind have long been a signature product of the workshop.
Size
Height: 4 cm
Width: 13.5 cm
Depth: 24 cm
Weight
494 g
Condition
The box is unused and in excellent overall condition, with no notable flaws or discoloration observed. As with any lacquerware, very light handling marks consistent with careful storage may be present but are not considered significant.
Additional Information
Maker: Zohiko (象彦), Kyoto — work by Nishimura Hikobei IX
Country: Japan
Materials: Urushi lacquer, gold maki-e, nashiji ground
Provenance: Accompanied by the original signed tomobako (storage box)
NOITICE:
The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation.
It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally.
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping.
I appreciate your cooperation.
Seller's Story
We have been experienced as an antique dealer for more than a decade, we select and purchase high-quality products from all over Japan. I carefully select items with good taste, whether famous or not. I offer you an encounter with unknown Japanese goods.
Owner Profile
Name: Michito Nagahiro
Born in 1986 in Sapporo, Hokkaido. From an early age, I have been fascinated by the beautiful and practical designs of Japanese art, antiques, and consumer products, as well as the mindset and dedication of craftsmen and artists. I frequently visited museums and solo exhibitions as part of my daily life.
In 2012, under the guidance of a top mentor in the industry, I established myself as an antique dealer, handling a wide range of items, including Japanese antiques and artworks. Since 2017, I have specialized in selling Japanese antiques and fine art, primarily in Europe, achieving over 20,000 successful sales to date.
In 2019, I launched a completely free service to support individuals in Japan who experience loneliness. This initiative involves personally visiting people, engaging in conversations, sharing meals, and, if necessary, providing career advice. More than 1,000 people reach out to me annually for support.
Additionally, I am committed to promoting and supporting the sales of emerging artists whose work has not yet received public recognition. My philosophy goes beyond merely selling objects—I strive to convey the stories, history, and emotions embedded in each piece. By doing so, I aim to connect people with the lives of the artists and bring inspiration to those who encounter their work.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Number of objects
1
Material
Lacquer
Manufacturer/brand
Zohiko
Designer/artist/maker
Nishimura Hikobei IX
Country of origin
Japan
Condition
As new - unused
Height
4 cm
Width
13.5 cm
Depth
24 cm
Estimated period
1900-2000
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