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A suzuribako [writing box] — Edo period, 18th century

A suzuribako [writing box]

Edo period, 18th century

This Japanese suzuribako (writing box) from the Edo period exemplifies sophisticated lacquerware craftsmanship with iro-e hiramaki-e and takamaki-e decoration on a nashiji ground. The rectangular box features an overhanging cover with chamfered edges and includes interior fittings such as an ink stone and silver water dropper. The cover's later European-inspired decoration with attendants and an elephant reflects East-West artistic exchange during this period.

Medium
the rectangular writing box with overhanging cover and chamfered edge, decorated in iro-e hiramaki-e and takamaki-e on a nashiji ground, silver lacquer rims, the cover later decorated with two European attendants and an elephant, the interior fitted with rectangular tray, ink stone, and silver and copper water dropper (suiteki), the interior of the cover, tray and frame decorated with scattered maple leaves on a mura-nashiji ground
Spotted At
Auction House · Sotheby's

🔨 Auction Lot

Pursuit of an Ideal: Fine Japanese Works of Art

October 26, 2021

Estimate: $2,000 – $3,000

Lot 43

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About this work

A suzuribako [writing box], Edo period, 18th century

This Japanese suzuribako (writing box) from the Edo period exemplifies sophisticated lacquerware craftsmanship with iro-e hiramaki-e and takamaki-e decoration on a nashiji ground. The rectangular box features an overhanging cover with chamfered edges and includes interior fittings such as an ink stone and silver water dropper. The cover's later European-inspired decoration with attendants and an elephant reflects East-West artistic exchange during this period.

Medium
the rectangular writing box with overhanging cover and chamfered edge, decorated in iro-e hiramaki-e and takamaki-e on a nashiji ground, silver lacquer rims, the cover later decorated with two European attendants and an elephant, the interior fitted with rectangular tray, ink stone, and silver and copper water dropper (suiteki), the interior of the cover, tray and frame decorated with scattered maple leaves on a mura-nashiji ground
Seen at
Sotheby's, New York, London, Hong Kong, Paris

Related themes

Gold, Lacquerware, Japanese, Botanical, Decorative Arts, Edo Period, Craft, Nature, Ornamental, 18th Century

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