Antique Japanese Ink Stone Maki-e Lacquer Box Suzuribako

A Japanese ink stone box (known as Suzuribako) with exquisite maki-e decoration from Edo period (circa mid-18th century). The box features a rectang...

A lacquered wood box with lid from Japan circa 19th century Meiji Period. The finely decorated box was used to store paper slips and small documents on the desk. It is overall finished with black lacquer (kuro) with sparse Mura-Nashiji effect outside and on the top surface of the lid, there are three Komainu, (sometimes known as Shishi or Japanese lions) frolicking and forming a circle in lively motion. Komainu are auspicious animals in Japanese cultures in both Shinto and Buddhism tradition. Originally from China, these animals symbolizes guardians to ward off evil spirits. Hiramaki-e was used in combination with carving and combing to render the lions with various surface textures. A gilt border with an slight angle was given to the lid and even the thin band is decorated with miniature floral scrolls. The interior of the box was finished in a dense nashiji. Underneath the lid, a cluster of peonies open lavishly by two gentle mounts. Takamaki-e (high relief) in both gold and silver were...

19th century Japanese black and gold lacquer Suzuribako box with firefly and plum blossom design.

This is a good example of a traditional Japanese Hokai shell storage box for the Kai-awase game. This box is well-detailed in chased brass appliques and makie. The box is in overall ...