Fine Japanese Lacquer Fujiyama Makie Suzuribako with Complete Writing Implements

  
A very fine Japanese Maki-e Suzuribako (inkstone box) with a complete set of seven writing implement circa early to mid-19th century (late Edo period). The dark roiro color case showcases an ambient nocturnal landscape in and around Mount Fuji. Using the combination of golden hiramaki-e and takamaki-e, silver fundame and fine raden inlays, the artist depicts a breathtaking scenery under a full moon half hidden in the clouds. The front of the box showcases rock crops and sandbars by the water, hugging a small group of thatch-roof humble dwellings.

Cherry trees with blossoms studded the landscape. The tiny raden materializes Sakura in beguiling details that shimmer in the darkness of the night. It is the spring at Miho no Matsubara very likely, a scenic viewing place of Mount Fuji. Under the lid, Mount Fuji in the distance comes to the full view in its glorious profile.

Rising from the ocean and the undulating shorelines in the foreground, the majestic Fuji is still covered in the snow on top (depicted beautifully with silver powder). Under the night sky, the bands of cloud recede to the foot of the lofty volcano. The scenery continues to the bottom interior which has compartments for holding the accoutrements of the writing tools.

It is rare and a good fortune that all writing implements, a total of seven pieces, remain together in fine condition, an inkstone, a silver water dropper (suiteki), two brush pens with covers, two small knives with covers (kogatana or tosu) and an inkstick holder (sumi-basami). All of which have the same fine Maki-e decoration. The rims of the lid and box are lined with silver. For a Suzuribako from the same period that displays a very close similarity in the subject matter, see Accession Number: 81.1.153a-f in the collection of Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC.