126 - JAPAN - Late 19th century

JAPAN - Late 19th century Lacquer writing box depicting Jurojin 寿老人, one of the Seven Deities of Good Fortune, accompanied by his iconic deer. This rectangular box with rounded corners features a slightly domed lid. The exterior is covered in glossy black *roiro* 蝋色漆 lacquer, embellished with a *nashiji* 梨子地 pattern at the base. The top is richly adorned with a *takamaki-e* 高蒔絵 (raised lacquer) motif, enhanced with mother-of-pearl inlays (*raden* 螺鈿) and glass elements painted on the reverse, depicting Jurojin and his stag. The inside of the lid is decorated with gilded *takamaki-e* and *togidashi-maki-e* 研出蒔絵 (polished lacquer) depicting cranes (*tsuru* 鶴) flying over a large pine tree (*matsu* 松), all embellished with a malachite inlay. Inside, a raised tray holds a *suiteki* 水滴 (ink dropper) made of pure silver in the shape of a crane, as well as an inkstone (*suzuri* 硯) and two calligraphic ink sticks. The underside bears the seal of the famous Zôhiko 象彦 workshop, recognizable by the character *zo* 象 (elephant). Dimensions: Height 5.7 cm, width 24.2 cm, depth 22.1 cm.