A suzuribako [writing box] | Edo period, 19th century

A suzuribako [writing box] in Koetsu style

Edo period, 19^th century 

the rectangular writing box with overhanging cover and chamfered edge, decorated in gold, silver and black hiramaki-e, takamaki-e, nashiji and inlaid in patinated lead and mother-of-pearl, with a fishing boat beneath reeds, the details finely embellished, the interior of the cover with chrysanthemums entwined amongst a bamboo fence, the inner tray supporting a slate ink stone decorated in gold fundame, the design of the interior of the cover continuing on the base with further chrysanthemums among bamboo, all on a sparse nashiji ground, the silver water dropper (suiteki) finely carved and chased with petals and gold details, the base with sparse nashiji

25.5 cm., 10 in. long