A Fine Japanese Lacquer Suzuri-bako in Original Box. 19th.c.

8 1/4 x 9 x 1 7/8 ins. (20.9 x 22.8 x 4.8 cms) This fine suzuri-bako writing box is in the original wood box, but unfortunately unsigned. The decoration of chidori (plovers) and key-fret patterns is finely inlaid in the raden shell technique. The edges are silver lacquer throughout. Condition is very good, there are the expected bruises and "dings" and some wear to the silver lacquer edges. One side of the lid has been damaged and expertly repaired by a lacquerer at some time but with the loss of part of the shell on a bird's body. The suzuri (inkstone) has a missing piece at the front edge and the copper suiteki (water dropper) is not the original. The metal edging to the space for the suiteki is also missing and the "well" has been lined with Japanese doe-skin. There is, as is often the case, very slight warpage on the lid which rocks a little when in place.

The storage box is in excellent condition. The label on the box reads, Aogai Mure Chidori Suzuri-bako (A writing box with a flock of Plovers inlaid in shell). It dates from the second half of the 19th. century.

*** TO ORDER THIS ITEM PLEASE EMAIL US QUOTING OUR STOCK NUMBER (see above) - WE SHALL THEN EMAIL YOU BACK WITH POSTAGE COSTS AND PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS ***

*** FOR FULL DETAILS OF OUR GUARANTEE AND PAYMENT OPTIONS, PLEASE CLICK ON "Buying from us - All you need to know" ON OUR HOME PAGE ***