A SUZURIBAKO [WRITING BOX] MOMOYAMA - EDO PERIOD, LATE 16TH - EARLY 17TH CENTURY |

of rectangular form with overhanging cover decorated in gold, black and red hiramaki-e, takamaki-e, kinpun, gold foil and nashiji on a sparse nashiji and black ground with Ishiyama-dera, the interior of the cover with a carriage beside a plum tree, fitted with tray, waterdropper and inkstone, fundame rims.

As can be seen in the illustration and by the nature of the age of the writing box there is some slight surface wear, minute dents and scratches to the cover. The interior of the cover in good condition with minor foil loss and crackle to the lacquer in the top right hand corner. The base with typical wear, slight scratches and dents commensurate with age. The fundame ring to the ink-stone slightly worn, the brush-tray with a slight chip to the rim.
"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."

The Ishiyama Buddhist temple is on the shore of Lake Biwa northeast of Tokyo. The abandoned carriage is an allusion to the fourth chapter of Genji monogatari [the Tale of Genji] entitled Yugao [Evening faces]. For more information on Genji monogatari see Miyako Murase, Iconography of the Tale of Genji (New York, 1983), pp.52-57