Outstanding Japanese Meiji (Late 19thc) Circular Black Lacquer Writing Box (Suzuribako) with Samurai Helmet Decoration

19th century

Sold by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Description

Rare Japanese Meiji (late 19thC) circular black lacquer writing box (suzuribako). The lustrous black-lacquer exterior of the inrobuta (flush-fitting lid) decorated in polychrome lacquer of gold, red and silver takamaki-e with a magnificent Samurai helmet (o-boshi kabuto) with exaggerated fukigaeshi (turnbacks) and simulated gilt kuwagata dai and kuwagata. The maedate (forecrest) is in the form of a stylised chrysanthemum among swirling waters resting over a tiger-skin scabbard and branches of cherry blossoms, a partially-open gunbai uchiwa (general's fan) decorated with a large red sun lying in the foreground.

The inside of the lid is embellished in gold hiramaki-e with a waka poem over a rich nashiji ground, the inside of the box fitted with an ita (baseboard) containing the removable suzuri (ink-grinding stone) and a silvered metal suiteki (water dropper) in the form of a folded omikuji (fortune-telling paper dedicated at shrines) with a stamped character on the underside. The box comes with its original wooden storage box inscribed Kabuto maki-e, maru suzuribako (Circular box for writing utensils with maki-e helmet design). Iinside the lid it is signed Komin with seal Komin. Comes with its original wooden storage box. Measures 26cm diameter x 5.7cm (10¼in x 2¼in).

Stunning original condition. Museum quality.

Physical Dimensions

Height

26cm (10.24")

Width

5.7cm (2.24")

Declaration

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1048941

Dealers Internal Reference

AD587/24

Description

The inside of the lid is embellished in gold hiramaki-e with a waka poem over a rich nashiji ground, the inside of the box fitted with an ita (baseboard) containing the removable suzuri (ink-grinding stone) and a silvered metal suiteki (water dropper) in the form of a folded omikuji (fortune-telling paper dedicated at shrines) with a stamped character on the underside.

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The box comes with its original wooden storage box inscribed Kabuto maki-e, maru suzuribako (Circular box for writing utensils with maki-e helmet design).

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Iinside the lid it is signed Komin with seal Komin. Comes with its original wooden storage box. Measures 26cm diameter x 5.7cm (10¼in x 2¼in).

Stunning original condition. Museum quality.