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A suzuribako [writing box] — With signature Zeshin | Meiji period, late 19th century

A suzuribako [writing box]

With signature Zeshin | Meiji period, late 19th century

This Meiji period suzuribako (writing box) signed by Zeshin exemplifies the sophisticated decoration techniques of Japanese lacquerware, featuring hiramaki-e, takamaki-e, and mother-of-pearl inlay. The interior houses functional writing implements including an ink stone and water dropper, reflecting the integration of artistry and utility in Japanese design.

Medium
the rectangular box with overhanding domed cover, decorated in gold, silver, red and black hiramaki-e, takamaki-e, keuchi, and inlaid in mother-of-pearl on a sabiji ground, with accoutrements of the gosekku [Five Seasonal Festivals], the interior of the cover with a mounted kabuto with raised ridges (suji bachi), negoromempo [face mask], a tachi in its koshirae, the interior fitted with a slate ink stone and water dropper (suiteki), lightly incised to the base Zeshin
Spotted At
Auction House · Sotheby's

🔨 Auction Lot

Masters of Enamel: The Collection of John and Muriel Okladek | Including Further Japanese Works of Art from the Meiji Period, 1868-1912

October 22, 2021

Estimate: $15,000 – $20,000

Lot 128

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About this work

A suzuribako [writing box], With signature Zeshin | Meiji period, late 19th century

This Meiji period suzuribako (writing box) signed by Zeshin exemplifies the sophisticated decoration techniques of Japanese lacquerware, featuring hiramaki-e, takamaki-e, and mother-of-pearl inlay. The interior houses functional writing implements including an ink stone and water dropper, reflecting the integration of artistry and utility in Japanese design.

Medium
the rectangular box with overhanding domed cover, decorated in gold, silver, red and black hiramaki-e, takamaki-e, keuchi, and inlaid in mother-of-pearl on a sabiji ground, with accoutrements of the gosekku [Five Seasonal Festivals], the interior of the cover with a mounted kabuto with raised ridges (suji bachi), negoromempo [face mask], a tachi in its koshirae, the interior fitted with a slate ink stone and water dropper (suiteki), lightly incised to the base Zeshin
Seen at
Sotheby's, New York, London, Hong Kong, Paris

Related themes

Multi-Media, Lacquerware, Ornate, Japanese, Traditional, Decorative Arts, Writing Box, Meiji Period, Mother-Of-Pearl, Gold And Silver

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