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 m
...ounted 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
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
Antique ID Number (AIDN): SA1195686
Dateline of this antique is 1880
Height is 20cm (7.9inches)Width is 49cm (19.3inches)Depth is 32cm (12.6inches)
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