A captivating lacquer suzuri’bako 硯箱 (writing box) of rounded rectangular form depicting a pair of shishi 獅子 (temple lions) and the lucky god Hotei 布袋 on a rôiro’urushi 蝋色漆 (black lacquer) ground. Hotei is the god of contentment and happiness, guardian of children, patron of bartenders, and one one of Japan’s ‘Seven Lucky Gods’ 七福神 (Shichifukujin). The cover finely decorated in gold and coloured takamaki-e 高蒔絵 (high-relief lacquer design) with e-nashiji 梨子地 (sprinkled gold lacquer) to depict two ferocious shishi standing foursquare in dynamic poses. Well-detailed with scrolling bushy manes and tails, muscular bodies, sharp claws and fangs, and large bulging eyes of inlaid glass with black pupils ringed in red. The interior is decorated in gold, silver and black hiramaki-e 平蒔絵 (low-relief lacquer design) to depict Hotei standing beside his large treasure sack 布袋 (nunobukuro) detailed with paulownia sprays and phoenixes in gold takakami-e. Supporting himself on a cane and holding Chinese fan 扇 (oogi) in his left, which is said to be a ‘wish giving’ fan. Wearing a loose-fitting robe, his face with a cheerful expression framed by large earlobes. The baseboard fitted with plain brush holders and a suzuri 硯 (inkstone). The interior with gold fundame edges 粉溜地 (matt golden lacquer). Period: Japan - 18th-First half 19th century (Second half Edo period). Dimensions: Height 4.5 cm, Length 25.4 cm, Width 23.5 cm. In a good original condition with some wear, minor rubbing to gilt, small nicks to interior of the cover, occasional light scratches. Some discolouration to the silver-lacquered robe of Hotei. Including red wooden tomobako 供箱 (storage box) -wear-. When shipped we will add a certificate of authenticity.