Suzuribako (writing box) in lacquer and gold powder decorated with kamon (emblems)

Rectangular suzuribako writing box of Japanese craftsmanship in wood and very deep and shiny urushi lacquer from Wajima on which a superb kamon decoration has been applied ( Japanese heraldic emblems used to identify noble families, samurai clans or adorn precious objects, usually represented in a circle).

Represented: bamboo (take, symbol of resilience, prosperity, righteousness); pine (matsu, symbol of longevity, constancy, endurance); plum blossom (ume, symbol of renewal, strength, beauty); chrysanthemum (kiku, symbol of imperiality, purity, longevity) and water iris (kakitsubata, symbol of elegance, poetry, travel)

These fine and detailed patterns were made using the ukibori-maki-e technique (bas-relief carved patterns), the raden technique (mother-of-pearl inlay on some plum blossom buds) and the nashiji technique (gold sprinkling on some bamboo and water iris leaves).

This box consists of 3 parts: the bottom, the lid and a subadai, a similarly lacquered wooden "board" that is usually used to protect calligraphy items during transport. This is a unique copy dating from the Heisei era (1989 - 2019), in very good condition. Note the presence of some micro-scratches on the lacquer, which in no way affect its beauty.

It is accompanied by its protective box made of paulownia wood (tomobako) on which the name and seal of the craftsman are inscribed (inside the lid) and a description is noted on the lid, a protective turmeric fabric (tomonuno) and a braided cord (sanadahimo).

Suzurikabo (硯箱) are ink boxes (bako) (suzuri), traditionally used to gather and store in the same place all the instruments used for calligraphy (except the paper, which is kept in another box, the ryōshibako). They therefore 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 slipped.

Wajima lacquerware, or Wajima-nuri, is one of the most renowned in Japan, particularly appreciated for its depth, durability and sophistication. The Noto Peninsula, where Wajima City is located, was hit by a terrible earthquake on January 1, 2024, and many lacquer artisans lost their tools of work. We hope that the invaluable legacy of these skills will continue, even if it will take time to rebuild everything.