A Ryukyu Islands mother-of-pearl-inlaid lacquer suzuribako (writing box), Edo period, 19th century, Japan | 日本江戶時代十九世紀　黑漆嵌螺鈿葡萄紋硯盒

the rectangular box set on a raised base carved with undulating edge and overhanging cover with scalloped edge delineated in red lacquer, decorated in inlays of mother-of-pearl on a polished black lacquer ground with a squirrel among fruiting grapevine, the interiors in black and gold lacquer simulating leather, fitted with a rectangular slate inkstone with fundame rims and a silvered water dropper with gilt highlights, Japanese wood box

25.6 by 20.8 by by h. 6 cm