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A gold lacquer “suzuribako” writing box decorated with a landscape under moonlight

  • Japan
  • Edo period (1600-1868)
  • 18th century
  • 24.2 x 22 x 4 cm
  • Parisian private collection (bought in Japan in the first half of 19th century)

Description

The rectangular body with rounded corners and overhanging lid, decorated in gold and silver maki-e, takamaki-e, hiramaki-e, nashiji, kirigane and with lead inlays. The cover is lacquered with a lake landscape and misty mountains in the background, and the moon veiled by clouds shining down on three little cottages. The inside of the lid is decorated with a mountain landscape, with a bridge above a river. The inside of the box also adorned with a landscape. The box with a raised platform and a frame containing the ink-stone and the silver and gilt-bronze water dropper (mizuhire). 

The origin of suzuribako goes back to Heian period (794-1185). At the time, Japanese aristocracy practiced calligraphy and poetry. So the writing box was essential and the craftsmen used the most precious materials to make writing boxes. It needs a lot of delicacy and precision to make gold lacquerware. It is a long and costly technique.

A gold lacquer “suzuribako” writing box decorated with a landscape under moonlight

  • Japan
  • Edo period (1600-1868)
  • 18th century
  • 24.2 x 22 x 4 cm
  • Parisian private collection (bought in Japan in the first half of 19th century)

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