A small Gold-lacquer suzuribako (box for writing utensils)
Edo period (1615-1868), mid-late 19th centuryThe rounded rectangular suzuribako with a kabusebuta (overhanging lid), decorated in gold and silver hiramaki-e and mura-nashiji with windswept autumnal plants comprising kiku (chrysanthemums), susuki (pampas grass), kikyo (Chinese bellflowers), hagi (bush clover) and ominaeshi (valerian), the design extending over the sides, the inside of the lid, box and underside executed in mura-nashiji; the interior removable frame and baseboard fitted with a suzuri (ink-grinding stone), an unrelated ink-stick and a gilt suiteki in form of two overlapping kikyo, unsigned; with an inscribed wood storage box. 3.5cm x 18.5cm x 14.1cm (1 3/8in x 7?in x 5?in). (6).