A SUZURIBAKO [WRITING BOX] EDO PERIOD, 17TH CENTURY |

the rounded rectangular box and close fitting cover decorated in gold and black hiramaki-e, takamaki-e, kimpun, gold foil, hirame on a nashiji ground with Choryo (Zhang Liang) riding a dragon among crashing waves carrying the shoe of the elder Kosekiko (Yi Shang), the interior with pines overhanging a rocky outcrop, the interior of the cover with farmers, leading an ox, carrying water beneath rocky outcrops, an owl in the branches of a pine tree, Tokugawa mon to one side, fitted with inkstone and waterdropper in the form of a gourd, lead rims

Edmund J. Lewis, Shadows and Reflections: Japanese Lacquer Art from the Collection of Edmund J. Lewis at the Honolulu Academy of Arts (Honolulu, 1996), no. 60, pp. 146-147

As can be seen in the illustration there is some slight wear to the cover, in particular to the corners of the fundame rim. The interior overall in good condition. The water dropper with some old wear to the gilt. The base with some old scratches consistent with the age and use of the object.
"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."

For the story of Choryo (Zhang Liang), see Stephen Little and Edmund J. Lewis, View of the Pinnacle: Japanese Lacquer Writing Boxes (Honolulu, 2011), pp. 144-145 Choryo (Zhang Liang) was a Chinese statesman of the early Han dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE). He is best known for assisting the first Han emperor, Gaozu, to establish the Han dynasty in the late third century BCE.

A paper label affixed to the storage box states that the piece was handed down in the Tokugawa family, Kii Province.