Lot 174 A JAPANESE SUZURIBAKO 硯箱 (WRITING BOX) WITH CRESCENT MOON, MEIJI PERIOD (1868-1912)

A lacquered suzuribako 硯箱 (writing box) of rectangular shape with with a slightly arched overhanging cover and rounded corners.

The lid is adorned with a design of a silver inlay crescent moon 月 (tsuki) between fluffy cloud banks and misty streaks, rendered in different hues of golden takamaki-e 高蒔絵 (high-relief lacquer design) and accentuated by golden kirigane 切金 (cut and inlaid pieces of gold leaf). This elegant design is set on a glossy black substrate 蝋色漆 (rôiro’urushi) and finished with golden fundame 粉溜地 (matt lacquer) rims.

The interior and removable fitted tray are decorated with dense reddish gold nashiji 梨子地 (sprinkled gold lacquer), with the underside more sparsely decorated.

Complete with brass fan-shaped waterdropper 水滴 (suiteki) with a carved design of bamboo illuminated by the silver inlaid crescent moon.

Height 4.2 cm, Width 25.3 cm, Depth 22 cm.

It is in a very good condition with minimal traces conform age. Restoration of the crescent moon.