EXCEPTIONAL SUZURIBAKO IN INRÔ-BUTA ZUKURI TYPE,... Lot 347

EXCEPTIONAL SUZURIBAKO IN INRÔ-BUTA ZUKURI TYPE, In gold-dominant lacquer, with decoration on the theme of the plants of the four seasons, the lid and sides decorated in iro-e takamaki-e, hiramaki-e, tsukegaki, togidashi and kirigana on a black and mura-nashiji background of chrysanthemums, poppies, narcissus, astilbes, clovers and other wild grasses on the banks of a winding stream whose banks are enhanced by two small golden rocks. The reverse side of the lid is decorated with hiramaki-e flowers and field plants on a mura-nashiji background, which can be found inside the box. The box, which is divided by a removable partition, contains an inkstone whose sides and underside are lacquered in nashiji on a black background, as well as a suiteki (dropper), in the shape of a knot. The edges of the lid and the box are underlined with pewter. The set is completed by two brushes, a knife to taper the brushes and a tip in kin-fundame lacquer cases for the last two. With its original box, made of natural wood, tomobako, bearing the following calligraphy: ?????? ??? ?? ??... Shiki sôka maki-e on-suzuribako Heian Zôhiko. Literally: Ink stone box in gold lacquer (with decoration) of plants and flowers of the four seasons by Heian Zôhiko. Japan, end of the Meiji-Taishô period (circa 1910-1920) Dim : Length : 23.5 cm , Width : 20.5 cm , Depth : 4.4 cm Condition : perfect state of preservation. Provenance : this suzuribako was acquired by the great-grandfather of the current owner, from the Zôhiko house at the beginning of the 20th century. It is in its original state, complete and barely used by the purchaser, who left a leaf with some calligraphic characters on it. Certificate: A certificate attesting to the authenticity of the suzuribako and confirming that it is indeed the work of Nishimura Hikobei VIII, was drawn up by the Zôhiko house on June 10, 2020, at the request of the owner. The Zôhiko House in Kyoto: The name Zôhiko on the lid of the wooden box refers to