151 - † A FINE GOLD AND BLACK LACQUER ‘BOTAN SHISHI’ SUZURIBAKO (WRITING BOX)

† A FINE GOLD AND BLACK LACQUER ‘BOTAN SHISHI’ SUZURIBAKO (WRITING BOX) Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Of rectangular form with rounded corners, the lustrous roiro ground finely decorated in gold and silver hiramaki-e and takamaki-e. The kabusebuta (overhanging) cover depicting two shishi amid rocky outcrops and blossoming peonies, one seated above the other, both with flowing manes and boldly curling, flame-like tails, the landscape enriched with kirigane flakes. The underside of the cover decorated with pine-covered hills, pagodas, figures, and a bridge spanning a river against a nashiji ground. The interior with two dancing monkeys on nashiji, pewter rims, and a removable ita (baseboard) fitted with a silver suiteki (water dropper), a silver tomoe-form container, and a suzuri (inkstone). SIZE 25.8 x 23 x 4.5 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor typical wear, scattered losses to the corners of the baseboard and occasional small losses to lacquer to the interior. With a wood tomobako (storage box). The pairing of shishi and peonies (botan shishi) is a long-standing and auspicious motif in Japanese art, combining the mythical lion, revered as the ‘king of beasts’ and a symbol of courage and protection, with the peony, celebrated as the ‘king of flowers’ and an emblem of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. Auction comparison: Compare a related lacquer suzuribako depicting two shishi, dated 19 th century, 4.2 x 21 x 22.6 cm, at Bonhams, The Alan and Simone Hartman Collection, 14 December 2023, New York, lot 98 (sold for USD 7,040 or approx. EUR 6,800 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU.