Suzutake Shikki - 文具箱 - Lacquer

Item Description
This is a mid-size Japanese lacquered writing box (fumibako/suzuribako) produced by the Suzutake lacquerware workshop in Aizu-Wakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture, a region celebrated for its centuries-old Aizu-nuri lacquer tradition. The box features a glossy black lacquer body with a hinged, lift-off lid decorated with a hand-painted gold maki-e design of a stylised flower and trailing leaves. A small red seal mark appears on the lid near the floral motif, characteristic of workshop-produced lacquerware pieces. The interior lid section is finished in plain black lacquer, while the base forms a shallow tray suitable for storing stationery, letters, or small keepsakes. The rectangular form and restrained palette of black, gold, and soft coral tones give the piece an elegant, understated character typical of traditional Aizu lacquerware.

Artist Profile
The piece was produced by Suzutake Shikki (鈴武漆器), a lacquerware workshop founded in 1943 in Aizu-Wakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture, one of Japan's principal centres of Aizu-nuri lacquer production. The workshop carries out every stage of production by hand, from wood-base shaping to lacquer application and maki-e decoration, using aged domestic woods such as horse chestnut and zelkova and multiple layers of true lacquer. Aizu lacquerware itself is recognised as a Japanese Traditional Craftwork, with a history dating back over 400 years to promotion by feudal lord Gamo Ujisato in 1590. Suzutake has operated public workshop tours since the 1950s and continues to produce both traditional and contemporary lacquerware lines today.

Size
Height: 3 cm
Width: 14 cm
Depth: 19.5 cm

Weight
226 g

Condition
The box is in good, gently used condition with only light signs of handling consistent with its age; the lacquer surface retains strong gloss and the gold maki-e decoration shows no notable loss.

Additional Information
Maker: Suzutake Shikki (鈴武漆器), Aizu-Wakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan
Craft type: Aizu-nuri (Aizu lacquerware), a recognised Japanese Traditional Craftwork
Material: Lacquer (urushi) over wood base, gold maki-e decoration

The item will be carefully packaged and shipped by Japan Post or DHL, depending on the situation.

Due to the changes to the EU tax-free (VAT) system, Japan Post has become unable to ship certain goods valued at €150 or less to an increasing number of European countries. Depending on the destination and circumstances, the shipping method may therefore be changed from Japan Post to DHL.

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