Striking Japanese Edo or Meiji (19thc) Matching Ryuku Red/gold Lacquer Writing Box (Suzuribako) and Document Box (Ryoshibako)

Name: Striking Japanese Edo or Meiji (19thc) Matching Ryuku Red/gold Lacquer Writing Box (Suzuribako) and Document Box (Ryoshibako)
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1098009
Availability: SoldOut

19th century

Sold by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Description

Rare Japanese Edo or Meiji (19thC) matching Ryuku (Ryuku Islands, Okinawa prefecture) red/gold lacquer writing box (Suzuribako) and document box (Ryoshibako), both decorated predominantly in gold hiramaki-e and gold togidashi maki-e with a Chinese-inspired winter landscape on a glossy red-lacquered ground. On the bevelled-edged kabusebuta (overlapping cover) of the suzuribako are 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, the inside of the lid embellished with other wild flowers. The interior of the box is fitted with a removable ita (baseboard) containing the suzuri (ink-grinding stone) and a silvered-metal suiteki (water-dropper) in the form of a lobed kettle.

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

Excellent original condition.

Physical Dimensions

Height

5cm (1.97")

Width

26.1cm (10.28")

Depth

23.7cm (9.33")

Declaration

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

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1098009

Dealers Internal Reference

AD657/24

Description

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The interior of the box is fitted with a removable ita (baseboard) containing the suzuri (ink-grinding stone) and a silvered-metal suiteki (water-dropper) in the form of a lobed kettle.

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

fig 1. Striking Japanese Edo or Meiji (19thC) Matching Ryuku Red/Gold Lacquer Writing Box (Suzuribako) and Document Box (Ryoshibako) — fig 1. Striking Japanese Edo or Meiji (19thc) Matching Ryuku Red/gold Lacquer Writing Box (Suzuribako) and Document Box (Ryoshibako)

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

Excellent original condition.