Suzuribako 硯箱 & ryôshibako 料紙箱 with imperial motif

An exceptional matching set comprising a suzuribako 硯箱 (writing box) and ryôshibako 料紙箱 (letter box), opulently decorated in gold lacquer with imperial motif.

Both boxes are of rectangular form with rounded corners, adorned with large blooming chrysanthemums 菊 (kiku) in full detail rising from a rock formation. The design is rendered in different shades of gold and silver hiramaki-e 平蒔絵 (low-relief lacquer) and takamaki-e 高蒔絵 (high-relief lacquer), with accents of kirigane 切金 (cut gold foil) set against a reddish-golden sparse nashiji 梨子地 (sprinkled gold lacquer) ground. The rock formation is executed in particularly thick high relief.

Centrally placed on the lid of the ryôshibako is a prominent imperial crest 紋 (mon), depicting a sixteen-petaled chrysanthemum 十六葉八重菊 (jûroku yô yaegiku), a mon used by the Japanese imperial family.
The interiors of both lids are of remarkable refinement, decorated in togidashi maki-e 研出蒔絵 (burnished lacquer) with a graceful scene of chrysanthemum sprays hanging over a flowing stream and open water, with a thin cloud band drifting above. The interiors of the boxes are finished with a dense nashiji ground.

Both boxes are preserved in their original black lacquered transport boxes, inscribed in gold lacquer with notations describing their contents and extolling their exceptional quality.

Period: Japan – Early Meiji period (Second half 19th century)

Dimensions:
Suzuribako – Height 13.5 cm, Width 40.5 cm, Depth 32.5 cm
Ryôshibako – Height 5 cm, Width 24.5 cm, Depth 22 cm

In a very good original condition with minimal signs of age and use. Please refer to the photos for a clear condition reference.

When shipped, we will include a certificate of authenticity.