A suzuribako [writing box] | Edo period, 18th century

A suzuribako [writing box] 

Edo period, 18^th century

the rectangular writing box with overhanging cover and chamfered edge, decorated in iro-e hiramaki-e and takamaki-e on a nashiji ground, silver lacquer rims, the cover later decorated with two European attendants and an elephant, the interior fitted with rectangular tray, ink stone, and silver and copper water dropper (suiteki), the interior of the cover, tray and frame decorated with scattered maple leaves on a mura-nashiji ground

20 cm., 8 in. long