Lot 59
A matching gold-lacquer suzuribako (box for writing utensils) and ryoshibako (document box) set and covers Edo period (1615-1868), late 18th/early 19th century
Amended
16 May 2019, 14:00 BST
London, New Bond Street£25,000 - £30,000
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Find your local specialistA matching gold-lacquer suzuribako (box for writing utensils) and ryoshibako (document box) set and covers
Edo period (1615-1868), late 18th/early 19th century
Both decorated in predominantly gold takamaki-e, e-nashiji and kirikane, the decoration as follows: on the bevelled-edged kabusebuta (overlapping cover) of the suzuribako: two oarsmen ferrying sheaves of rice on a boat approaching a bridge spanning over a lake set with buildings beneath spreading pine and willow, a waterwheel in the lower foreground, three cranes in flight between three omote-manji (left-facing Buddhist swastikas) crests, the design extending over the sides, the inside of the lid embellished with a pagoda and a Chinese building set on the rocky banks of a lake, a partially obscured full moon inlaid in silver emerging from peaks in the distance, all reserved on a dense nashiji ground, the interior of the box with a fitted removable tray and removable board containing the suzuri ink-grinding stone and gilt suiteki (water-dropper) in the form of a used inkstick; the exterior of the inrobuta (flush-fitting) lid of the ryoshibako similarly decorated with the oarsmen shown instead on the sides of the box, additional omote-manji crests scattered on all sides, the inside of the lid embellished in dense rich nashiji; with a wood storage box for the suzuribako. The suzuribako: 4.5cm x 22.5cm x 20.6cm (1¾in x 8 7/8in x 8 1/8in); the ryoshibako: 14cm x 41cm x 32.5cm (5½in x 16 1/8in x 12¾in) (9).
Both decorated in predominantly gold takamaki-e, e-nashiji and kirikane, the decoration as follows: on the bevelled-edged kabusebuta (overlapping cover) of the suzuribako: two oarsmen ferrying sheaves of rice on a boat approaching a bridge spanning over a lake set with buildings beneath spreading pine and willow, a waterwheel in the lower foreground, three cranes in flight between three omote-manji (left-facing Buddhist swastikas) crests, the design extending over the sides, the inside of the lid embellished with a pagoda and a Chinese building set on the rocky banks of a lake, a partially obscured full moon inlaid in silver emerging from peaks in the distance, all reserved on a dense nashiji ground, the interior of the box with a fitted removable tray and removable board containing the suzuri ink-grinding stone and gilt suiteki (water-dropper) in the form of a used inkstick; the exterior of the inrobuta (flush-fitting) lid of the ryoshibako similarly decorated with the oarsmen shown instead on the sides of the box, additional omote-manji crests scattered on all sides, the inside of the lid embellished in dense rich nashiji; with a wood storage box for the suzuribako. The suzuribako: 4.5cm x 22.5cm x 20.6cm (1¾in x 8 7/8in x 8 1/8in); the ryoshibako: 14cm x 41cm x 32.5cm (5½in x 16 1/8in x 12¾in) (9).
Saleroom notices
The dating of this piece is probably later than as described. Additionally, the imagery likely represents the town of Uji with some of its iconic landmarks, including Uji Bridge and the famous Byodo-in temple, with Mt Asahi off in the distance.
