Lacquered wood suzuribako

A small lacquered wood suzuribako (writing box) of oblong rectangular shape. Both the box and the cover are facetted and have rims bound in silver.The box has a removable wood panel, which has fitted compartments for an ink-rubbing stone of rectangular format and a small silver water dropper. The mellow wood is applied with a layer of clear lacquer.

Small, portable suzuribako or writing boxes were used by artists mainly to produce calligraphy or inscriptions. This charming example could be carried easily and shows traces of extensive use.