Wajima Japanese urushi lacquer Suzuribako (writing box) with gold and mother-of-pearl maki-e decor of AUTUMN PLANTS (AKI NO NANA KUSA)

Superb rectangular suzuribako writing box, a contemporary Japanese craft of urushi lacquer from Wajima with a spectacular decor of 7 autumn plants (aki no nana kusa) using the maki-e (gold powder) technique and mother-of-pearl inlay.

The 7 autumn plants are very much a part of Japanese culture, used to thank the spirits for the abundant harvests of the period. They include red clover (Hagi 萩), silver grass (susuki すすき), bluebell (asagao 朝顔), arrowroot (kuzu 葛), Japanese vine (kuzu くず) and wild carnation (nadeshiko 撫子).

Suzurikabo (硯箱) are ink (suzuri) boxes (bako), used to bring together and keep in one place all the instruments used for calligraphy (with the exception of paper, which is kept in another box, the ryōshibako). They usually contain an ink stone, brushes, an ink stick, a dropper and a brush rest. Beyond their primary use, they are exceptional and precious decorative objects in which treasures can be hidden.

This contemporary suzuribako was made by the craftsman Keizo IGAWA.

This box is quite large (26.4 x 20.8 x 4.5cm - see photo with matcha whisk for scale), and is made up of 3 parts: the base, the lid, and a removable separating board.

This is a one-off object, accompanied by its protective wooden box on which the name of the work is printed, and its protective cloth on which the craftsman's seal is affixed;A precious piece of work to give to yourself or to a lover of Japanese culture, who will surely appreciate the delicacy of this work.

Wajima lacquer, or Wajima-nuri, is one of Japan's most renowned lacquers, particularly appreciated for its depth, durability and sophistication. The Noto peninsula, where the town of Wajima is located, was hit by a terrible earthquake on 1 January 2024 and many lacquer craftsmen lost their tools of trade.We hope that the priceless legacy of these skills will live on, even if it takes a long time to rebuild everything.

PLACE OF MANUFACTURE	JAPAN
DIMENSIONS	(lacquered box) Length 26,4cm x Width 20,8cm x Height 4,5cm
WEIGHT	(total) 1330gr
COMPOSITION	Wood, urushi lacquer

The traditional Japanese lacquer, urushi, is made from the sap of the lacquer tree (Rhus Verniciflua), which flows out after incision of the bark. It is a very precious material, a tree will only give a maximum of 200ml of sap in its life, which is worked by craftsmen each specialized in a particular stage. It takes many slow and meticulous operations to give life to lacquered objects. It is the oldest craft in Japan! Initially used to protect and waterproof objects, this immutable craft has become an art of extreme sophistication. If you want to know more about the art of Japanese lacquerware, you can read our dedicated article here.

This object keeps in memory the hand of the craftsman who designed it with patience. It will accompany your daily life, bringing its delicate and refined beauty, while contributing to the preservation of unique craftsmanship.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS Clean with a very soft cloth to avoid scratches, soaked with a little warm water if necessary (never soak your lacquered objects). No microwave, dishwasher, dryer. Do not expose to direct sunlight for a long time (risk of discoloration). If the atmosphere is very dry and very hot, and to avoid the risk of cracking, you can place a glass filled with water next to your lacquered object.

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