Japan, Edo period, 17th century - Lot 293

Japan, Edo period, 17th century Gold and silver hiramaki-e and takamaki-e lacquer Suzuribako (writing case), the lid decorated with a shishi with speckled fur and curled mane and tail, the inside of the lid decorated with two cranes standing with their feet in the grass, two removable trays inside, one (for the brushes) decorated with flowers and susuki, the other decorated with asagao (belle de jour), containing the ink stone and a metal suiteki (dropper) in the shape of a flower, all on a najishi background, label on the ink stone with the initials of the Red Cross: "n°29 Loan Exhibition of Japanese Art 1915". 23.4 x 20.7 cm Provenance : Collection of Richard Phené Spiers (1838-1916), famous English architect, author and painter Publication: Henri L. Joly and Kumasaku Tomita, Japanese Art and Handicrafts, in aid of the British Red Cross, London, 1915, lacquer no. 29 ("N.29, Suzuri bako, nashiji, gold takamakiye, shishi on the lid. R. Phené Spiers, Esq.") Exhibition: Presented at the 1915 Red Cross Loan Exhibition of Japanese Art in London, N°29. Very good condition, tiny dents to lid, very slight wear.