405 - A Japanese Lacquer Suzuribako with Biwa Design The lid decorated in gold takamakie on a nashiji ground with a biwa lute and its plectrum (bachi), the fukuju — the fitting at the instrument's base to which the strings are anchored — rendered in inlaid red coral, a refinement seldom encountered on lacquerware of this type.

A Japanese Lacquer Suzuribako with Biwa Design The lid decorated in gold takamakie on a nashiji ground with a biwa lute and its plectrum (bachi), the fukuju — the fitting at the instrument's base to which the strings are anchored — rendered in inlaid red coral, a refinement seldom encountered on lacquerware of this type. The interior of the lid decorated with a sansui landscape in gold takamakie, further nashiji ground. The box fitted with a suiteki (water dropper) and an inkstone, the reverse inscribed 赤間関正清 (Akama-seki, Masakiyo), referring to the celebrated Akama stone quarried near Shimonoseki, prized since the Edo period for suzuri of the finest quality. Accompanied by what is probably the original storage box, the lid bearing a calligraphic inscription, not fully legible. Early Edo period, 17th century. Overall in good condition, with only minor wear consistent with age. L: 21.5cm W: 16.5cm H: 3cm Shows signs of repair. Tomobako (artist-inscribed box) Japan, Edo period