Suzuribako (writing box)

ITEM # 618

Japanese rectangular Suzuribako with overhanging cover, the black ground decorated in gold Maki-e, inlay of shell and Nashiji ground, with the chrysanthemums and grasses of an autumn field, continuing over the sides, the back of cover decorated with three Kiri (paulownia) designs over the Nashiji ground, the interior of the box, ink-ston and a copper Mizuire (water dropper), decorated with two Kiri designs over the Nashiji ground. 19th century Size: 24.2 cm X 21.3 cm X 3.4 cm Condition: Some loss of lacquer lines from of the gold petals of the chrysanthemums in due to the use of thick gold foil as a base for the blooms. The coefficient of expansion of gold being very different from that of lacquer, when sudden change of temperature occurs the gold shrinks or contracts faster than lacquer, breaking the adhesion between the two. Two small repaired marks on the side of cover and general age worn. Price: U.S.$1,700.

KAMIMURA GALLERY  kamimura@interlog.com