Lot 4 RARE LACQUERED SUZURIBAKO 硯箱 (WRITING BOX) HORSE RIDER

A rare lacquered suzuribako 硯箱 (writing box) of rectangular form, adorned with an extraordinary and refined design. The lid features a striking depiction of a ‘Tatar (Dattan) horse rider’ holding a spray of plum blossom, while the reverse showcases a peacock displaying its resplendent tail inlaid with raden 螺鈿 (mother-of-pearl), standing gracefully on a slope near a cycas palm.

The artwork is executed in multicoloured hiramaki-e 平蒔絵 (low-relief lacquer design), framed by striking crimson-black negoro-nuri-style borders and finished with fundame 粉溜地 (matt lacquer) rims.
The interior of the box contains an inkstone 硯 (suzuri) and a silver copper circular water dropper 水滴 (suiteki) intricately chiselled with a chrysanthemum motif.

Period: Japan – Meiji period (1868-1912).

Dimensions: Length 23.8 cm, Width 21.4 cm, Height 4.2 cm.

In good condition, with minimal signs of age and use, including minor flints of lacquer along the rim and a shrinkage crack on the inner rim of the box. Please refer to the photos for a detailed condition reference.

Complete with red lacquered inscribed wooden tomobako 供箱 (storage box).