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Rare Japanese Edo Ryukyu Red and Gold Lacquer Suzuribako (Writing Box) & Ryoshibako (Document Box)
Sold by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
sold SA1056812
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2021
Browse dealers 35 items
Id #SA1056812
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Rare Japanese Edo Ryukyu Red and Gold Lacquer Suzuribako (Writing Box) & Ryoshibako (Document Box)

19th century
Sold 22 December 2024 · Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
This “Rare Japanese Edo Ryukyu Red and Gold Lacquer Suzuribako (Writing Box) & Ryoshibako (Document Box)” found a buyer.

It was listed by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

Description

Fine Japanese Edo (mid 19thC) Ryukyu Islands (today Okinawa Prefecture) red & gold lacquer suzuribako (writing box) and ryoshibako (document box), decorated predominantly in gold hiramaki-e and gold togidashi maki-e with a Chinese-inspired winter landscape on a glossy red-lacquered ground.

The decoration on the bevelled-edged overlapping cover (kabusebuta) of the suzuribako includes stalks of camellia and plum growing beside a rushing stream on the lower right corner, tall craggy mountains partly obscured by clouds in the upper left corner, while the inside of the lid is embellished with other wild flowers. The interior of the box has a fitted removable ita (baseboard) containing the ink-grinding stone (suzuri) and a silvered-metal water-dropper (suiteki) in the form of a lobed kettle.

The exterior of the inrobuta (flush-fitting) lid of the ryoshibako is similarly decorated with a matching Chinese landscape design extending over the sides of the box, while the inside of the lid is lacquered with the same wild flowers. Comes in a wooden storage box for the suzuribako attached with an inscribed paper label. The suzuribako measures 26.1cm x 23.7cm x 5cm high (10¼in x 9 5/16in x 2in high), the ryoshibako 46.5cm x 35.2cm x 15.2cm tall (18¼in x 13¾in x 6in tall).

Very good condition.

Ryukyuan lacquerware is one of the chief artistic products of the Ryukyu Islands (today Okinawa Prefecture of Japan) and represents a form and style of lacquerware that is distinct from other Japanese cultures. Though distinct in its own ways, it’s strongly influenced by Chinees, Japanese and Southeast Asian styles, and has a tendency towards red lacquer which is rather less common in the rest of Japan.

Date of Manufacture

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

Physical Dimensions
Height
15.2cm (5.98")
Width
46.5cm (18.31")
Depth
35.2cm (13.86")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1056812
Dealers Internal Reference
616/24
Description
Fine Japanese Edo (mid 19thC) Ryukyu Islands (today Okinawa Prefecture) red & gold lacquer suzuribako (writing box) and ryoshibako (document box), decorated predominantly in gold hiramaki-e and gold togidashi maki-e with a Chinese-inspired winter landscape on a glossy red-lacquered ground.

The decoration on the bevelled-edged overlapping cover (kabusebuta) of the suzuribako includes stalks of camellia and plum growing beside a rushing stream on the lower right corner, tall craggy mountains partly obscured by clouds in the upper left corner, while the inside of the lid is embellished with other wild flowers.

“
The interior of the box has a fitted removable ita (baseboard) containing the ink-grinding stone (suzuri) and a silvered-metal water-dropper (suiteki) in the form of a lobed kettle.
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
fig 1. An overhead view of two rectangular Japanese red and gold lacquer boxes featuring intricate landscape motifs.
fig 1. Rare Japanese Edo Ryukyu Red and Gold Lacquer Suzuribako (Writing Box) & Ryoshibako (Document Box)

The exterior of the inrobuta (flush-fitting) lid of the ryoshibako is similarly decorated with a matching Chinese landscape design extending over the sides of the box, while the inside of the lid is lacquered with the same wild flowers. Comes in a wooden storage box for the suzuribako attached with an inscribed paper label. The suzuribako measures 26.1cm x 23.7cm x 5cm high (10¼in x 9 5/16in x 2in high), the ryoshibako 46.5cm x 35.2cm x 15.2cm tall (18¼in x 13¾in x 6in tall).

fig 2. An overhead view of two rectangular Japanese red and gold lacquer boxes featuring intricate landscape motifs.
fig 2. Rare Japanese Edo Ryukyu Red and Gold Lacquer Suzuribako (Writing Box) & Ryoshibako (Document Box)

Very good condition.

Ryukyuan lacquerware is one of the chief artistic products of the Ryukyu Islands (today Okinawa Prefecture of Japan) and represents a form and style of lacquerware that is distinct from other Japanese cultures. Though distinct in its own ways, it’s strongly influenced by Chinees, Japanese and Southeast Asian styles, and has a tendency towards red lacquer which is rather less common in the rest of Japan.

Date of Manufacture

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

Height
15.2cm (5.98")
Width
46.5cm (18.31")
Depth
35.2cm (13.86")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1056812
Dealers Internal Ref
616/24
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2021
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art Profile Page

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An overhead view of two rectangular Japanese red and gold lacquer boxes featuring intricate landscape motifs. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 10
Archive I An overhead view of two rectangular Japanese red and gold lacquer boxes featuring intricate landscape motifs. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Rare Japanese Edo Ryukyu Red and Gold Lacquer Suzuribako (Writing Box) & Ryoshibako (Document Box)

Archive II An overhead view of two rectangular Japanese red and gold lacquer boxes featuring intricate landscape motifs. View II
Archive III An overhead view of two rectangular Japanese red and gold lacquer boxes featuring intricate landscape motifs. View III
Archive IV An overhead view of two rectangular Japanese red and gold lacquer boxes featuring intricate landscape motifs. View IV
Archive V An overhead view of two rectangular Japanese red and gold lacquer boxes featuring intricate landscape motifs. View V
Archive VI An overhead view of two rectangular Japanese red and gold lacquer boxes featuring intricate landscape motifs. View VI
Archive VII An overhead view of two rectangular Japanese red and gold lacquer boxes featuring intricate landscape motifs. View VII
Archive VIII An overhead view of two rectangular Japanese red and gold lacquer boxes featuring intricate landscape motifs. View VIII
Archive IX An overhead view of two rectangular Japanese red and gold lacquer boxes featuring intricate landscape motifs. View IX
Archive X An overhead view of two rectangular Japanese red and gold lacquer boxes featuring intricate landscape motifs. View X
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07975 614592
Location
Bath
Somerset
United Kingdom
Verified Since Oct 2021
Items For Sale 35
Items Sold 783
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Verified Since Oct 2021
View Dealer Info
Location: Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom
Verified
Oct 2021
For Sale
35
Sold
783
An overhead view of two rectangular Japanese red and gold lacquer boxes featuring intricate landscape motifs.
Rare Japanese Edo Ryukyu Red and Gold Lacquer Suzuribako (Writing Box) & Ryoshibako (Document Box)
Ref: SA1056812
An overhead view of two rectangular Japanese red and gold lacquer boxes featuring intricate landscape motifs.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Detail View 7
Detail View 8
Detail View 9
Archival Detail
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • Object[Boxes]
  • Period19th century
  • Style[Edo period, Ryukyu]
  • Material[Wood, Urushi lacquer, Gold powder]
  • Colour[Red, Gold]
  • MotifsLandscape scenery, Gold maki-e, Cloud patterns
  • SizeH 15.2 cm (6 in) x W 46.5 cm (18 in) x D 35.2 cm (14 in)

Japanese lacquer boxes, particularly suzuribako and ryoshibako from periods such as the Edo era, were utilised by the elite classes for storing writing implements and documents, showcasing master craftsmanship and cultural storytelling.

These items are crafted from a wooden core coated with multiple layers of refined tree sap resin (urushi), often decorated using maki-e techniques where gold and silver powder are sprinkled onto wet lacquer.

Authenticity is determined by examining the depth of the lacquer layers, natural ageing characteristics such as fine craquelure or oxidation, traditional joinery methods, and the quality of the metallic pigment application.

These statement pieces function well as focal points on low-profile surfaces like sideboards or coffee tables, where their rich colour and intricate detailing can be appreciated without clutter.

Lacquer items should be kept away from direct sunlight and extreme humidity fluctuations to prevent cracking, and cleaned gently with a soft, dry microfibre cloth without harsh chemical polishes.
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