Lot 164 A JAPANESE SUZURIBAKO AND RYOSHIBAKO SET WITH IMPERIAL CHRYSANTHEMUM CREST, EDO PERIOD (1615–1868)

An outstanding high-quality set consisting of a suzuribako (calligraphy box) and ryoshibako (letter box), each superbly decorated with luxurious high-relief gold lacquer featuring kiku (chrysanthemum) flowers. The reverse side of the lids showcases sophisticated togidashi maki-e (burnished lacquer technique). The large Imperial Chrysanthemum crest (“mon”) on the ryoshibako suggests a possible connection to the Japanese Royal Family. The suzuribako is decorated inside and out with matching chrysanthemum motifs and comes complete with its original waterdropper, inkstone, and three writing brushes. Both boxes are preserved in their original black lacquered transport boxes, each bearing inscriptions that describe the contents and praise the exceptional quality of the pieces.
Suzuribako: 40.5 by 32.5 by 13.5 cm.
Ryoshibako: 24.5 by 22 by 5 cm.