A Japanese lacquer writing box and cover for the European market Meiji/Taisho period

the cover decorated with pheasants on a rocky outcrop beside peony and under a flowering prunus, opening to reveal an embroidered writing slope with a central roundel of a communion cup below the inscription Gerardus, Petrus, MDCCCLXXIV (1874) and above the coat-of-arms of Bishop Gerardus Petrus Wilmer, below two metal-mounted glass ink bottles and a removable pen tray

This box is in good condition with the exception of several flakes losses of lacquer along the bottom edges of the box and along the edges of interior compartments, and small losses of inlaid mother-of-pearl scattered overall. The leather hinges inside the box have been lost, and there is a 6cm crack to the lacquer in the inside cover, and there are some splashes of stains on the interior textile along with cracks along the folds and minor losses of textile (1cm square) on the back. There are two surface bruises, one to the exterior top left edge and another on the back. The lock appears to be later fitted, with some light associated scratches and one 4cm scratch running down inside the box fro the lock. The left panel is slightly out of place, with associated bruise to the left corner.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This lot was probably a gift to Bishop Gerardus Petrus Wilmer (1800-1877) on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his consecration as priest on 8 September 1824. Gerardus Petrus Wilmer was bishop of Haarlem between 1861 and 1877.