An elegant lacquered suzuribako 硯箱 (writing box) by the lacquer artist Ogimura Sakitoshi 荻村幸稔 (1943). Of rounded rectangular form with a gently domed cover, the exterior finished in a glossy black roiro’urushi 蝋色漆 (black lacquer) ground delicately sprinkled with a subtle mokume 木目 (wood grain) pattern. The lid is decorated in shades of gold and brown takamaki-e 高蒔絵 (high-relief lacquer design) and hiramaki-e 平蒔絵 (low-relief lacquer design) with sprays of pheasant's eye 福寿草 (fukujôsô) and sprigs of pussy willow 猫柳の花 (nekoyanagi no hana) encrusted with raised mother-of-pearl 螺鈿 (raden). Framed by an undulating border inlaid with crushed eggshells, also known as rankaku’nuri 卵殻塗. The interior is lacquered in a warm brown tone to simulate iron rust and is fitted with two baseboards supporting a hefty rectangular inkstone 硯 (suzuri) and a ceramic water dropper 水滴 (suiteki), the latter with a mark. The underside of the box inscribed in red lacquer: ‘Made by Ogimura Sakitoshi saku’ 荻村幸稔作 and sealed ‘Sakitoshi’ 幸稔. Ogimura Sakitoshi 荻村幸稔 (b. 1943) is a highly respected Kiso lacquerware 木曽漆器 master known for preserving and innovating traditional techniques. Born in Nagoya 名古屋 but raised in Narai 奈良井, he began training under his father, Ogimura Namikichi 荻村浪吉—a notable local instructor and holder of the Order of the Sacred Treasure. After graduating from a local craft high school in 1961, he became independent and has devoted his life to mastering every stage of lacquer production, from base coating to polishing and Kiso tsuishu carving. Over his career, he has won numerous accolades, including the Ministry of International Trade and Industry Prize at the National Lacquerware Exhibition 全国漆器展 and the Nagano Prefectural Crafts Association Prize. Designated a Dento Kogei-shi (Traditional Craftsperson) in 1999, he continues to produce award-winning works—often experimenting with large, intricate motifs and unique colours—and is active in restoring cultural lacquer treasures and mentoring the next generation through school workshops and community outreach from his Oginami Studio 荻浪工房 in Shiojiri 塩尻, Nagano Prefecture 長野県. Dimensions: Length 31.8 cm, Width 25.2 cm, Height 7.2 cm Period: Japan – Late 20th century (Late Shôwa period/Early Heisei period). In excellent condition with minimal signs of wear. Please refer to the photos for a clear condition reference. When shipped, we will include a certificate of authenticity.