An impressive matching set comprising a ryôshibako 料紙箱 (document box) and a suzuribako 硯箱 (writing box), both decorated with cranes, young pine trees, and celestial motifs of sun 日 (hi) and moon 月 (tsuki). Both boxes are rectangular in form with rounded corners, and finished in lustrous rôiro 蝋色 (black lacquer), subtly enriched with nashiji 梨子地 (sprinkled gold lacquer) and kinpun 金粉 (gold dust). The decoration is executed with great refinement in gold and polychrome hiramaki-e 平蒔絵 (low-relief lacquer design) and takamaki-e 高蒔絵 (high-relief lacquer design). The ryôshibako is fitted with a inrôbuta 印籠蓋 (flush-fitting lid) depicting seven cranes 鶴 (tsuru) standing along a riverbank scattered with rocks, delicately accented with kirigane 切金 flakes. The crane motif continues around the sides, where five additional cranes are depicted in related poses. The suzuribako is fitted with a kabusebuta 被せ蓋 (overhanging lid) showing five cranes, closely harmonising in composition and style with the larger box. The interiors of both lids are finely decorated with a tranquil mountain landscape dotted with young pine trees 松 (matsu). The suzuribako interior features a rising sun, while the ryôshibako presents a full moon. Both scenes are set against dense nashiji grounds and framed by gold fundame rims 粉溜地 (matt lacquer). The suzuribako retains its original fittings, including a suzuri 硯 (inkstone) and a silver suiteki 水滴 (water dropper) in the form of a detailed crane. Period: Japan – First half 19th century (Late Edo period) Dimensions: Ryôshibako: Height 14.2 cm, Width 32.3 cm, Depth 41 cm Suzuribako: Height 4.2 cm, Width 21.9 cm, Depth 24.3 cm In very good condition overall. The ryôshibako shows a tiny flint to one corner and minor typical age cracks to the interior. Otherwise, both boxes display only light wear consistent with age and use and present very well. Please refer to the photos for a clear condition reference. Each box is accompanied by its fitted black lacquered wooden storage box, both bearing gold-lacquered inscriptions. Tomobako with wear to lacquer. When shipped, we will include a certificate of authenticity. For deliveries outside the European Union we ship under the DAP (Delivery at Place) incoterm.