Imperial urushi lacquer, gold and mother-of-pearl suzuribako (Japanese writing box), with ume (plum blossom) decoration

This exceptional black urushi lacquer suzuribako (Japanese writing box) was presented in October 1916 by the Crown Prince of Japan, the future Emperor Taishō, to a member of the Japanese imperial family, during an official imperial tour of the Hokuriku coast. Preserved in its original tomobako (protective wooden box) bearing this handwritten historical inscription, this piece brings together a particularly refined set of techniques: taka maki-e (relief gold powder decoration), kirikane (cut gold inlays), white mother-of-pearl, and nashiji lacquer (gold-dusted ground). The ume (plum blossom) decoration is displayed with remarkable mastery of space on a deep black surface with subtle reddish-brown reflections. The balance of the composition, the delicacy of the gold work, and the excellent state of preservation of the whole attest to the very high level of execution of this piece.

Historical Context
The inscription inside the lid of the tomobako indicates that this suzuribako was presented in October 1916 by Crown Prince Yoshihito, the future Emperor Taishō, to a member of the Japanese imperial family designated by the title of Shū no Miya. The text also specifies that this presentation took place during an official imperial tour of the Hokuriku coast.

Hokuriku corresponds to an ancient historical region located on the coast of the Sea of Japan, encompassing the current Ishikawa, Toyama, and Fukui prefectures. This region holds a major place in the history of Japanese decorative arts, and particularly in that of lacquerware. Kanazawa and Wajima, two of Japan's most renowned historical centers for maki-e and urushi lacquer arts, are precisely located in this area.

In the early 20th century, imperial tours were important political and cultural events. Objects presented in this context were of a particularly high level of execution, intended to represent local artistic refinement to the imperial aristocracy.

Decoration and Techniques
This box is made of wood covered with numerous layers of Japanese urushi lacquer. The outer surface features a black background which, at certain angles of light, reveals subtle reddish-brown reflections that give the lacquer a very particular depth.

The decoration depicts an ancient branch of ume (plum blossoms), a tree associated with renewal, perseverance, and winter elegance in Japanese culture. The composition is deliberately asymmetrical and minimalist, reinforcing the graphic power of the branch and the overall balance.

The main flowers are made using taka maki-e (relief gold powder decoration). Volumes are achieved by successive layers of lacquer before applying gold powder, creating a delicate and particularly well-controlled relief. Some flowers are inlaid with shirochogai (white mother-of-pearl), whose iridescent reflections bring very subtle luminous variations.

The trunk features a remarkable kirikane (cut metal inlays) decoration, composed of very small, individually applied gold squares. This extremely meticulous work animates the surface of the decoration with discrete geometric variations and creates subtle plays of light depending on the viewing angle.

The interior of the suzuribako also features particularly refined workmanship. The compartments are covered with kuro nashiji lacquer (black background powdered with gold), a technique consisting of dispersing very fine metallic particles in the lacquer to produce a deep and slightly shimmering surface.

The suzuribako still retains its suzuri (ink stone) and its suiteki (water dropper) in silver, used to moisten solid ink during writing preparation, all in perfect condition, the interior and tools having probably never been used.

The overall style of this box is particularly representative of an important aesthetic evolution at the beginning of the Taishō era. Unlike the very dense compositions frequently found in older lacquerware, this suzuribako emphasizes space, asymmetry, and decorative restraint. This simplification of forms and this masterful use of emptiness give the piece a surprising modernity today despite its age.

Form and Use
The suzuribako is a box intended for the practice of Japanese calligraphy. It was used to store the instruments necessary for writing, including brushes, solid ink, the ink stone, and accessories related to ink preparation.

In Japanese aristocratic and scholarly circles, high-quality suzuribako also served as prestige objects intended to demonstrate the cultural refinement of their owner.

Presentation
This piece is accompanied by its original tomobako protective wooden box bearing the name of the work as well as a handwritten inscription detailing the historical context of this suzuribako's presentation within the Japanese imperial family.

The sanadahimo (woven cord) accompanying the box was added more recently.

Place of manufacture
Japan, Ishikawa Prefecture

Period
1916, Taishō era (1912 - 1926)

Dimensions
Length 26 cm - Width 21 cm - Height 5.5 cm

Weight
Suzuribako + tomobako: 1.7kg

Materials
Wood, urushi lacquer, gold powder, mother-of-pearl

Condition
In very good condition despite its age. Small scratches on the lid, one of the edges and the outer bottom visible depending on the light orientation, but remaining discreet. This suzuribako can be presented in Paris by appointment for acquisition (contact@atelierikiwa.com).