Hobby box - Exquisite Japanese Makie Lacquer Inkstone Box (金蒔絵硯箱:Makie Suzuribako) – Vintage Calligraphy Set
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Selected by Surya Rutten
Has over 25 years' experience in Asian art and owned an art gallery.
Estimate € 300 - € 400
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Antique Japan-made Makie lacquer Suzuribako inkstone box in black with gold Makie decoration, including a complete calligraphy set, dating to 1961, in excellent condition and weighing 2.1 kg.
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Description from the seller
Exquisite Japanese Makie Lacquer Inkstone Box (Suzuribako) – Vintage Calligraphy Set – 1961
A beautifully crafted Japanese Suzuribako (inkstone box) finished in deep black lacquer and decorated with elegant Gold Makie and Takamakie techniques. This refined writing box includes a complete set of traditional calligraphy tools and represents the high craftsmanship of mid-20th-century Japan.
Description
• Makie Decoration on the Lid
The lid features a flowing stream motif with swirling gold waves, greyish-green stones, and chrysanthemums. The delicate execution in gold and silver makie highlights the exceptional quality of Japanese lacquer art.
• Inner Lid Artwork & Commemorative Inscription
The inside shows a vivid red rising sun above horizontal golden clouds, set against a shimmering black lacquer background with gold speckles.
The inscription indicates that this item was presented in May 1961 (Shōwa 36) by Mitsui & Co., Ltd., one of Japan’s most prestigious and influential trading companies.
As a gift from such a major corporation, this Suzuribako was clearly produced as a high-grade, formal presentation item, reflecting both quality and status.
• Complete Calligraphy Set (Shodo Tools)
• Inkstone (Suzuri): Solid and well-crafted
Size: H 1.9 cm × L 12.1 cm × W 8.1 cm
• Ink sticks (Sumi) and brushes (Fude): In good condition with decorative kanji inscriptions
• Metal water dropper (Mizuire)
Dimensions
• Outer Case: H 4.9 cm × L 25.0 cm × W 22.8 cm
• Inkstone: H 1.9 cm × L 12.1 cm × W 8.1 cm
Condition
Vintage condition. Please refer to all photos for details.
• Structurally sound lacquer box with no major cracks
• Minor scratches on edges and base from age and use
• Small chip (~5 mm) on the inner edge near the inkstone compartment (see photo)
• Inkstone, brushes, and ink sticks remain in good, usable condition
Originally created as a high-quality corporate presentation gift by one of Japan’s leading companies in 1961, this piece combines historical significance with refined Japanese lacquer artistry. A valuable and elegant addition for collectors of Japanese art, calligraphy tools, or premium makie lacquerware.
We will use Japan Post or for shipping.
Please allow extra time for delivery as the items are shipped from Japan.
Please note that the listed prices do not include customs duties and taxes.
Please note that items may have scratches or stains due to age.
If an item exceeds the size or weight limits, it may be shipped in multiple packages.
Exquisite Japanese Makie Lacquer Inkstone Box (Suzuribako) – Vintage Calligraphy Set – 1961
A beautifully crafted Japanese Suzuribako (inkstone box) finished in deep black lacquer and decorated with elegant Gold Makie and Takamakie techniques. This refined writing box includes a complete set of traditional calligraphy tools and represents the high craftsmanship of mid-20th-century Japan.
Description
• Makie Decoration on the Lid
The lid features a flowing stream motif with swirling gold waves, greyish-green stones, and chrysanthemums. The delicate execution in gold and silver makie highlights the exceptional quality of Japanese lacquer art.
• Inner Lid Artwork & Commemorative Inscription
The inside shows a vivid red rising sun above horizontal golden clouds, set against a shimmering black lacquer background with gold speckles.
The inscription indicates that this item was presented in May 1961 (Shōwa 36) by Mitsui & Co., Ltd., one of Japan’s most prestigious and influential trading companies.
As a gift from such a major corporation, this Suzuribako was clearly produced as a high-grade, formal presentation item, reflecting both quality and status.
• Complete Calligraphy Set (Shodo Tools)
• Inkstone (Suzuri): Solid and well-crafted
Size: H 1.9 cm × L 12.1 cm × W 8.1 cm
• Ink sticks (Sumi) and brushes (Fude): In good condition with decorative kanji inscriptions
• Metal water dropper (Mizuire)
Dimensions
• Outer Case: H 4.9 cm × L 25.0 cm × W 22.8 cm
• Inkstone: H 1.9 cm × L 12.1 cm × W 8.1 cm
Condition
Vintage condition. Please refer to all photos for details.
• Structurally sound lacquer box with no major cracks
• Minor scratches on edges and base from age and use
• Small chip (~5 mm) on the inner edge near the inkstone compartment (see photo)
• Inkstone, brushes, and ink sticks remain in good, usable condition
Originally created as a high-quality corporate presentation gift by one of Japan’s leading companies in 1961, this piece combines historical significance with refined Japanese lacquer artistry. A valuable and elegant addition for collectors of Japanese art, calligraphy tools, or premium makie lacquerware.
We will use Japan Post or for shipping.
Please allow extra time for delivery as the items are shipped from Japan.
Please note that the listed prices do not include customs duties and taxes.
Please note that items may have scratches or stains due to age.
If an item exceeds the size or weight limits, it may be shipped in multiple packages.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Weight
2.1 kg
No. of items
1
Country of Origin
Japan
Material
Exquisite Japanese Makie Lacquer Inkstone Box (金蒔絵硯箱:Makie Suzuribako) – Vintage Calligraphy Set
Style
Antique
Colour
Black, Gold
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Height
4.5 cm
Width
22.8 cm
Depth
25 cm
Estimated Period
1960-1970
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