A suzuribako [writing box] | Edo period, 19th century

The Property of a Gentleman

A suzuribako [writing box]

Edo period, 19th century 

the rectangular suzuribako with flush fitting cover with slightly beveled edge, decorated in gold and silver hiramaki-e, takamaki-e, hirame and kimpun on a black ground, with a herdsman kneeling on a rock beside a cascading river, an ox beside standing beneath a pine tree, the herdsman face and the ox inlaid in polished lead, the interior with circular ink stone, silver water dropper engraved with bamboo, all on a nashiji ground, the interior of the cover with an inscription

13.5 cm., 5¼ in. wide