– A Japanese suzuribako (writing box) in lacquered wood with maki-e decoration of the Okina Noh mask – Okina – the smiling old man – is the most sacred mask in the entire Noh repertoire, traditionally associated with prayer for peace and longevity – Generous size of approximately 24 × 17.5 × 3.5 cm – presented in unused condition Summary: A refined Japanese suzuribako (writing box) decorated in maki-e with the figure of Okina, the smiling old-man mask that occupies the most exalted position in the Noh theatre repertoire. The richly lacquered exterior is built around this single iconic image, with the warm tonal range of brushed gold powder against the dark ground. As an object of Japanese lacquer craft and as a small piece of theatre-and-ritual culture, it appeals strongly to European collectors of Japanese decorative arts. The suzuribako is one of the most quietly luxurious objects in the Japanese writing tradition. Designed to hold the four treasures of the brush-writer – ink stick, inkstone, brushes and water-dropper – it sat at the centre of every cultivated household and merchant office for centuries, its surface treated as a small canvas for the most ambitious lacquer techniques. Okina (翁) is something quite distinct from the regular cast of Noh masks. Performed before any other piece on programmes of formal significance, the Okina dance is held to be older than Noh itself – a ritual prayer for peace, good harvest and long life, with roots in Shintō and Shugendō practice. The mask depicts the smiling old man with horizontal eyes, deeply lined brow, and white tufted beard – an image of accumulated wisdom and benevolence. Of all the Noh masks, Okina is the only one revered as itself sacred; in some schools, the mask is bowed to before being worn. Maki-e – literally “sprinkled picture” – is the technique by which fine gold and silver powders are sifted onto wet lacquer to create luminous, almost glowing imagery. Worked here against the dark lacquered ground, the Okina mask becomes the single focal point of the box. In a European interior, this kind of object lives best in close range: on a writing desk, an open shelf, or a glazed cabinet of Japanese decorative art. It can be used as a working calligraphy box or simply enjoyed as a small piece of theatre-themed lacquer art. The piece is described as unused, with the lacquer ground and maki-e decoration in excellent condition. A serious, theatrically-themed lacquer object of immediate cross-cultural appeal. Shipping & Handling We ship worldwide via DHL or EMS with full insurance and tracking. Professional packing ensures safe arrival; combined shipping available for multiple wins. Local customs duties are the buyer’s responsibility. Seller Guarantee We specialise in authentic Japanese lacquerware and guarantee this piece’s authenticity. Questions welcome – we reply within 24 hours. 1588