Golden Treasures: Japanese Gold Lacquer Boxes - Erik Thomsen

12Cherry Blossom Writing BoxAnonymous lacquer artistTaishō period (1912 – 26), 1920sH 5" × L 11" × W 7 ¼"(12.5 cm × 28 cm × 18.7 cm)This stacked suzuribako writing box with a springdécor of cherry blossoms and birds is a masterpiecein high-quality lacquer. The outside surfacesare decorated with stylized, partly overlappingcherry blossoms in takamakie gold lacquer of twotones on a ground of roiro polished black lacquer.The design continues on five exterior surfaces,and even on all the sides and back of the drawer.Upon lifting the lid, the viewer is rewarded withan invigorating décor of hundreds of flying birdsin hiramakie gold lacquer of two tones, swirlingon a ground of fine nashiji gold flakes. The birddesign continues even inside the drawer and underthe removable tray. The stacked suzuribako has adrawer for writing utensils and a tray that lifts outto a reveal a compartment for paper; it comeswith its original suzuri ink stone and original puresilver suiteki water dropper in an auspicious fanshape with engraved décor of birds.The writing box comes with its original fitted blacklacquerstorage box.26