EXQUISITE ANTIQUE LACQUER DOCUMENT BOX Maki-e Urushi Edo Japanese Ryoshibako

Description

RARE & IMPORTANT ANTIQUE JAPANESE LACQUERED WRITING BOX
Edo Period (1603-1868)
Exceedingly rare, early hand lacquered Ryoshibako representing the high elegance of the Japanese aesthetic during the age of the Shogun and Samurai. The fine quality of this large document box would have been reserved for only the wealthiest families and imperial class. Featuring absolutely stunning hand applied golden raised maki-e lacquer detail. Ornate and magnificent design featuring a Japanese garden with naturalistic flowering irises and a meandering footbridge over a tranquil pond. All rendered in sublime shades of golden lacquer in high relief, further adorned with inlaid mother of pearl.
The artisan who created this superb ryoshibako was a master craftsman who utilized many techniques including, maki-e (gold sprinkled), takamakie (raised design), and glittering nashiji (gold flakes sprinkled into the lacquer). The quality and fine detail are nothing short of spectacular. Even the inside of the lid is beautifully decorated with five fluttering butterflies. Too much to list, see photographs for all of the meticulous detail.
Examples of this age and quality rarely come on the market. Many of the Momoyama and Edo period boxes became famous collectibles, and now a large number of them are highly regarded Important Cultural Properties. Traditionally used to hold important paper documents and scrolls, today the ryoshi-bako would be perfect as a storage box for a variety of treasures in the office, studio, or on a dresser top. Or, simply displayed as
a rare and magnificent art piece on its own.
In excellent antique condition with minor surface wear and sublime patina commensurate with age. Must have been carefully stored by its fortunate owners over the centuries. Retains the original lacquered insert tray, thus making it a two layered storage piece. An utterly amazing example of the artistry of a bygone era. One of the finest lacquerware boxes that we have ever offered. A rare treasure. Of significant size, measuring approximately 16.5 inches in length, by 12.8 inches wide, by 5.25 inches high. A unique and skillfully crafted work of art, and an outstanding centerpiece for the discriminating connoisseur of world class Japanese antiques.
The process of creating such pieces from hand lacquered wood required the talents of one or more highly skilled artisans as well as a considerable investment in time. It was necessary to carefully dry the wood for an entire year before being shaped. Another year of drying may have then been needed before the lacquer finish could be applied. The lacquer work would then require time to complete as multiple coats were applied and each coat must dry completely in a carefully controlled atmosphere before proceeding. An entire piece of fine Japanese lacquer ware such as this one may have taken several years to complete.
See 12 photos above left. Click on large image to enlarge all in HD version.
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We have been in the antique business for over 35 years, and highly value our customers. Satisfaction Guarantee: All items are carefully described and photographed. If item is not as described, it may be returned in original condition for refund of purchase price, less actual shipping and insurance. The items listed are antiques, and as such may have an expected amount of wear from normal use. We do not sell items with major flaws without mentioning it in the listing. Please note that cause for return does not include barely noticeable minor wear commensurate with age or slight color variations on different computer monitors. Returns must be shipped back within 3 days of receipt. Buyer assumes all shipping and insurance fees. If you have specific questions about the item or condition, please feel free to ask before bidding and we will make every effort to respond promptly.
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suzuribako bunko edo momoyama samurai daimyo emperor nashiji scroll calligraphy scholar 1700s 1800s