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Directory: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Lacquer: Pre 1800: Item # 1473315

Please refer to our stock # 2022-1072 when inquiring.

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GALERIE TIAGO
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36 rue de l'Universite
75007 Paris - France
00 33 6 60 58 54 78

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Black and gold lacquer suzuribako (writing set) in takamaki-e on a nashi-ji background representing two tigers near rocks, bamboos and plum blossoms in a night landscape. Inside of the lid with a lake landscape.

The interior of the suzuribako is composed with an inkstone, topped by a copper water bucket in the shape of a chrysanthemum on the left side, with a brush and a small knife. It includes in the right part a storage compartment.
Inscription under the inkstone "Inkstone made by Nakamura Chobe".
Although the tiger is not native to Japan, it has a high symbolic. The figure of courage was introduced by Buddhism from China. According to the Chinese tradition, the tiger is from one of the stars of the Great Bear. It would be able to control the wind and its roar would be a metaphor for thunder.
In art, the tiger is sometimes represented in a bamboo grove, as it is the case on our suzuribako. There are several explanations for the combination. Bamboo is not wind resistant, si it is a naturel refuge for the animal. Another explanation is that the bamboo is agitated by the wind and represents sins. To be able to penetrate it and thus ward off evil, one must have the strength of a tiger. Having the “tiger courage” is therefore an exemplary quality, especially for samurais.

Inkstone made by Nakamura Chobe Japan – Edo period (1603-1868), mid 18th century Height: 1.97 in. (5 cm) – width: 8.58 in. (21.8 cm) – depth: 9.53 in. (24.2 cm)