Writing box 硯箱 (suzuribako) with peafowl & landscape - Lacquer, Wood, Silver - Japan - Edo period, 18th–first half 19th century
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This excellent-condition Japanese Edo-period lacquer writing box (suzuribako), dating from the 18th to the first half of the 19th century, measures 26.5 × 23.5 × 5.5 cm and is decorated with peafowl, peonies and landscapes in gold and silver, with mother-of-pearl inlay, and includes writing implements and a wooden storage box.
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Description from the seller
A high quality lacquer writing box 硯箱 (suzuribako), decorated with a peacock and peahen among flowering peonies and rugged rocks. Of rectangular form with canted corners and a flush-fitting lid.
The box features a peacock standing on a rocky outcrop, its long train cascading diagonally across the composition. A peahen bends forward among the rocks below, surrounded by finely detailed flowers and foliage.
The decoration is executed in gold and silver, combining high-relief lacquer design 高蒔絵 (takamaki-e) and low-relief lacquer design 平蒔絵 (hiramaki-e). Blue and green mother-of-pearl inlays 青貝 (aogai) accentuate the eyes of the peacock’s tail feathers, while cut gold foil 切金 (kirigane) enriches the rocky surfaces. Scattered gold and areas of sprinkled gold lacquer 梨子地 (nashiji) enliven the lustrous black ground. The floral and rock decoration continues around the sides.
The underside of the lid reveals an extensive lakeside landscape with rocky islands, pine and willow trees, small pavilions and an arched bridge. Bands of mist cross the water beneath distant mountains. A related landscape decorates the interior and removable fitted board, with silver-mounted rims and gold lacquer borders framing the compartments.
The box is fitted with an elaborate silver water dropper 水滴 (suiteki) in the form of a chrysanthemum blossom, complete with curling leaves and gilt details. Accompanying implements comprise two lacquered brushes, an inkstick holder with an engraved silver mount, a gilded black inkstick and a rectangular inkstone 硯 (suzuri).
Complete with the wooden storage box, bearing a brushed inscription and an old paper label.
Period: Japan – Edo period, 18th–first half 19th century.
Dimensions: Height 5.5 cm, Width 26.5 cm, Depth 23.5 cm.
In excellent antique condition with minor surface wear and very small losses to the mother-of-pearl and cut gold foil decoration. Some rubbing to the gilding of the inkstick. The wooden storage box shows age-related wear. Please refer to the photographs for a clear impression of the condition.
When shipped, a certificate of authenticity will be included.
Seller's Story
Since 1996, Japanese Antique Store has been importing Japanese antiques directly from Japan.
We travel several times a year through Japan and visit auctions, shows, dealers, and collectors.
Besides our physical store in Amsterdam, we are also active on Catawiki. We specialize in Samoeraipantser (Yoroi) and objects, lacquerware, screens, paintings, Buddhist images, and many more Japanese artifacts!
Translated by Google TranslateA high quality lacquer writing box 硯箱 (suzuribako), decorated with a peacock and peahen among flowering peonies and rugged rocks. Of rectangular form with canted corners and a flush-fitting lid.
The box features a peacock standing on a rocky outcrop, its long train cascading diagonally across the composition. A peahen bends forward among the rocks below, surrounded by finely detailed flowers and foliage.
The decoration is executed in gold and silver, combining high-relief lacquer design 高蒔絵 (takamaki-e) and low-relief lacquer design 平蒔絵 (hiramaki-e). Blue and green mother-of-pearl inlays 青貝 (aogai) accentuate the eyes of the peacock’s tail feathers, while cut gold foil 切金 (kirigane) enriches the rocky surfaces. Scattered gold and areas of sprinkled gold lacquer 梨子地 (nashiji) enliven the lustrous black ground. The floral and rock decoration continues around the sides.
The underside of the lid reveals an extensive lakeside landscape with rocky islands, pine and willow trees, small pavilions and an arched bridge. Bands of mist cross the water beneath distant mountains. A related landscape decorates the interior and removable fitted board, with silver-mounted rims and gold lacquer borders framing the compartments.
The box is fitted with an elaborate silver water dropper 水滴 (suiteki) in the form of a chrysanthemum blossom, complete with curling leaves and gilt details. Accompanying implements comprise two lacquered brushes, an inkstick holder with an engraved silver mount, a gilded black inkstick and a rectangular inkstone 硯 (suzuri).
Complete with the wooden storage box, bearing a brushed inscription and an old paper label.
Period: Japan – Edo period, 18th–first half 19th century.
Dimensions: Height 5.5 cm, Width 26.5 cm, Depth 23.5 cm.
In excellent antique condition with minor surface wear and very small losses to the mother-of-pearl and cut gold foil decoration. Some rubbing to the gilding of the inkstick. The wooden storage box shows age-related wear. Please refer to the photographs for a clear impression of the condition.
When shipped, a certificate of authenticity will be included.
Seller's Story
Since 1996, Japanese Antique Store has been importing Japanese antiques directly from Japan.
We travel several times a year through Japan and visit auctions, shows, dealers, and collectors.
Besides our physical store in Amsterdam, we are also active on Catawiki. We specialize in Samoeraipantser (Yoroi) and objects, lacquerware, screens, paintings, Buddhist images, and many more Japanese artifacts!
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Dynastic Style/Period
Edo period, 18th–first half 19th century
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Japan
Material
Lacquer, Silver, Wood
Height
5.5 cm
Width
26.5 cm
Title of artwork
Writing box 硯箱 (suzuribako) with peafowl & landscape
Depth
23.5 cm
Condition
Excellent condition
Authenticity
Original/official
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