Artwork Page for Base of Writing Box (Suzuribako) with Chrysanthemum and Plum Containing Inkstone, Water-dropper, Brushes, Ink-stick Holder, and Paper Knife

Details / Information for Base of Writing Box (Suzuribako) with Chrysanthemum and Plum Containing Inkstone, Water-dropper, Brushes, Ink-stick Holder, and Paper Knife

Base of Writing Box (Suzuribako) with Chrysanthemum and Plum Containing Inkstone, Water-dropper, Brushes, Ink-stick Holder, and Paper Knife

late 1800s-early 1900s

Japan, Meiji period

(1868–1912)
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Medium
Lacquer over wood with gold and silver sprinkled powder (maki-e)
Credit Line
Bequest of Maud Eells Corning 1992.389.a
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Both functional and elegant, this is a container for an ink stone, brushes, and ink from a set of writing tools that included a larger box for paper. Against a sleek gold lacquered ground, its artist has used restraint in sprinkled powder decoration (maki-e) to produce the design of cockscomb and harvested rice on the interior of the lid.
A square, golden-brown lacquer box features recessed compartments for writing tools. Against a speckled gold background with faint floral patterns at the base, the center holds a rectangular dark inkstone, ink stick, and silver chrysanthemum-shaped water dropper. To the left, three slender brushes are vertically aligned. On the right, a fourth brush and a paper knife in a decorative silver-capped sheath occupy separate sections.

Base of Writing Box (Suzuribako) with Chrysanthemum and Plum Containing Inkstone, Water-dropper, Brushes, Ink-stick Holder, and Paper Knife

late 1800s-early 1900s

Japan, Meiji period (1868–1912)

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