What is a Japanese lacquer writing box?

A Japanese lacquer writing box, historically known as a suzubako or shodana-style desk compendium, is a portable container designed to store calligraphy tools, paper, and correspondence. Popularised during the Meiji period for both local use and Western export, these boxes feature detailed decorative surface work applied using natural tree resin.

What materials were used to construct 19th-century Japanese lacquer boxes?

These boxes were constructed from lightweight timber cores, such as pine or paulownia, coated with multiple layers of urushi sap lacquer. Decorative elements relied on metallic powders, including gold and silver applied via maki-e techniques, alongside brass or bronze metal fittings for hinges and handles.

How can an authentic Meiji period lacquer writing box be identified?

Authentic Meiji era pieces exhibit thin, precise woodjoinery beneath hand-applied lacquer layers and smooth, natural wear on handling surfaces. Genuine items feature hand-carved or engraved metal mounts, hand-painted gold pigment work, and visible signs of age such as faint craquelure or minor surface oxidisation.

How do you style a Japanese writing box in a modern interior?

Place the box opened or closed atop a dark wood desk, modern console table, or sideboard to serve as a focal decorative object. Pairing the piece with neutral ceramics, clean-lined minimalist furniture, or botanical arrangements highlights the detailed gold foliage motifs.

How should antique Japanese lacquerware be maintained and preserved?

Lacquerware requires protection from direct sunlight and dry atmospheric conditions, which can cause the urushi finish to crack or discolour. Dust the surface gently using a clean, dry microfibre cloth, avoiding water, chemical cleaners, and abrasive materials.

for sale €1,931 $2,096

£1,650

Robert Belcher Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jul 2017

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Robert belcher antiques was established in 1984 and is a high quality retailer of interesting, rare antiques and decorative items.

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Black Lacquer Writing Box

Id #SA1195686

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A Large 19th Century Japanese Lacquer Writing Box Circa 1880

Name: A Large 19th Century Japanese Lacquer Writing Box Circa 1880
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1195686
Price: 1650 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Robert Belcher Antiques

Description

This remarkable and highly decorative Japanese export large writing box is a rare, high quality example with a complicated and intricate interior.

The box is in very good condition considering this type of raised gilt lacquer has most often suffered through use and wear, losing large elements of its decoration.

The top of the box has a wonderful, very well detailed garden scene with an ornamental cart and flowering shrubs with two large disgruntled cockerels in conflict with each other. Both with a fierce expression. This decoration is all worked in raised black lacquer, hand painted in gold and red.

The front of the box has a central brass escutcheon plate and lock, and is equally ornate with a similar scene of two exotic male birds about to fight, undoubtedly in the mating season to gain the attention of a female. Also shown amongst a richly decorated floral scene.

The sides and back are much plainer with occasional decoration in the form of gilt patterns. The sides are mounted with brass carrying handles.

The lid raises on stop hinges and locks into position with a spring loaded stay. The inside of the lid is beautifully hand painted in raised lacquer with birds and flowers and fitted with six side compartments for stationery and a central closed compartment with a hinged drop down door for access.

The second inner section is similarly decorated on the top surface. It lifts and hinges forward to reveal and form an original red velvet lined writing slope. Both halves of the slope raise to reveal inner storage. The rear section when open gives access to a lift out panel which when removed shows a further fitted interior with four small drawers and two pigeon holes.

Above this fitment is a further fitted section with places for an ink bottle, pens, stamps, and other small items.

All of the metal fittings appear to be original and working, with one exception: there is no key to test the lock, which remains in the open position.

Japanese, circa 1880.

A rare and beautiful writing box with some minor signs of wear and use.

When the box is open: Height 48cm x depth 60cm x width 49cm

when the box is closed Height 20cm x depth 32cm x width 49cm

Physical Dimensions

Height

20cm (7.87")

Width

49cm (19.29")

Depth

32cm (12.60")

Declaration

Robert Belcher Antiques has dated this Japanese Lacquer Writing Box to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1195686

Dealers Notes

Robert Belcher Antiques was established in 1984 and is a high-quality retailer of interesting, rare antiques and decorative objects. After forty years of shop keeping and maintaining beautiful showrooms, which have been regularly open six days a week, Robert and Wendy have now taken a slightly different approach to their business. Having sold their retail premises, the antique business is now fully online. The picture framing service has ceased to operate because of moving online.

You can contact Robert and Wendy by email or telephone to discuss items from their extensive catalogue of attractive pieces and make purchases. Customers can rest assured that the long-established dealership is continuing to run in an exceedingly professional way, selling genuine and high-quality items which are guaranteed to please the most discerning collector, decorator or homeowner.

All items will be personally hand packaged to a high standard. Small items are extensively wrapped using the best materials and are often double boxed. Items are then shipped with DHL or Royal Mail fully insured and often with next day delivery. Larger items would be personally delivered or sent with a specialist antique delivery firm, or for outside the U.K, a professional shipping company.

Please enjoy viewing their collection of rare and interesting pieces and have the assurance that Robert and Wendy will do their utmost to make sure your experience is exceptional, as has been recognised by many customers who have bought with confidence regularly over the years.

Contact details

Email: robertbelcherantiques@gmail.com

Telephone: 01905 622468

Mobile 07929 011224

07720 607007

Website: https://www.robertbelcherantiques.co.uk

Instagram: robertbelcherantiques

Description

This remarkable and highly decorative Japanese export large writing box is a rare, high quality example with a complicated and intricate interior.

“

The box is in very good condition considering this type of raised gilt lacquer has most often suffered through use and wear, losing large elements of its decoration.

Robert Belcher Antiques

fig 1. A black lacquer Japanese writing box decorated with detailed gold botanical and bird illustrations, featuring a hinged lid opening to internal correspondence slots. — fig 1. A Large 19th Century Japanese Lacquer Writing Box Circa 1880

The top of the box has a wonderful, very well detailed garden scene with an ornamental cart and flowering shrubs with two large disgruntled cockerels in conflict with each other. Both with a fierce expression. This decoration is all worked in raised black lacquer, hand painted in gold and red.

fig 2. A black lacquer Japanese writing box decorated with detailed gold botanical and bird illustrations, featuring a hinged lid opening to internal correspondence slots. — fig 2. A Large 19th Century Japanese Lacquer Writing Box Circa 1880

The front of the box has a central brass escutcheon plate and lock, and is equally ornate with a similar scene of two exotic male birds about to fight, undoubtedly in the mating season to gain the attention of a female. Also shown amongst a richly decorated floral scene.

fig 3. A black lacquer Japanese writing box decorated with detailed gold botanical and bird illustrations, featuring a hinged lid opening to internal correspondence slots. — fig 3. A Large 19th Century Japanese Lacquer Writing Box Circa 1880

The sides and back are much plainer with occasional decoration in the form of gilt patterns. The sides are mounted with brass carrying handles.

The lid raises on stop hinges and locks into position with a spring loaded stay. The inside of the lid is beautifully hand painted in raised lacquer with birds and flowers and fitted with six side compartments for stationery and a central closed compartment with a hinged drop down door for access.

fig 4. A black lacquer Japanese writing box decorated with detailed gold botanical and bird illustrations, featuring a hinged lid opening to internal correspondence slots. — fig 4. A Large 19th Century Japanese Lacquer Writing Box Circa 1880

The second inner section is similarly decorated on the top surface. It lifts and hinges forward to reveal and form an original red velvet lined writing slope. Both halves of the slope raise to reveal inner storage. The rear section when open gives access to a lift out panel which when removed shows a further fitted interior with four small drawers and two pigeon holes.

fig 5. A black lacquer Japanese writing box decorated with detailed gold botanical and bird illustrations, featuring a hinged lid opening to internal correspondence slots. — fig 5. A Large 19th Century Japanese Lacquer Writing Box Circa 1880

Above this fitment is a further fitted section with places for an ink bottle, pens, stamps, and other small items.

All of the metal fittings appear to be original and working, with one exception: there is no key to test the lock, which remains in the open position.