Suzuribako, Writing case, Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) Made of lacquered wood with ro iro background and mura nashiji decorated in hiramaki-e, takamaki-e gold and silver and kirigane of a torii at the entrance of a taiko bashi or drum bridge, surrounded by pine trees, foaming waves and clouds. The inside of the lid decorated in the same techniques with a gissha (牛車 - oxcart used for the transportation of nobles in the Heian period, probably of imperial origin since one can see a decoration of chrysanthemums on the sides) surrounded in the same environment by pine trees, clouds and wavelets. The inside of the box contains a lacquered wood suzuriishi, a patinated copper alloy mizu-ire decorated with a noshi (traditional origami used as an envelope for celebrations) containing branches of young pine shoots and another of plum blossoms, symbols of longevity that are given for the new year. The bottom of the suzuri bako is decorated with hirameji on a ro iro background, as is the suzuri-ishi. The decoration of the lid is in continuity on the edges of the suzuribako. 5,5 x 23,5 x 22 cm With a wooden box. Provenance: Label on the wooden box Swedish cat number 71. Private collection in Paris - lots 78 to 127, 219 and 220