Paulownia Wood Suzuribako with Makie Lacquerwork | Japanese Calligraphy Box

Dimensions: 9-1/4”L x 4-0”w x 1-1/4”d

This beautifully ornamented writing box, (Suzuribako), and the cover is made of densely grained antique Japanese paulownia, (Kiri), and decorated in low relief lacquer with black, gold, and red makie’ in a design of flowers, bamboo, and grasses. The interior of the box, which has Negoro lacquer throughout, holds the inkstone, a small ink stick, a smooth reddish-copper water dropper, (Suiteki), and two original brushes also decorated in red and black Negoro lacquer. All are housed in the original and signed wooden kiriwood storage box.

See our Book section for a wonderful Photographic book on Suiteki shown in our image.

Vintage Condition: Excellent, complete set as originally made. “As is” with no effects from aging, and retains the original craft/workmanship. No discoloration, chipping/cracking, surface wear, or structural damage was noted. 

NOTE: A Suzuribako is a traditional Japanese writing box made to hold a set of implements for calligraphy. Within the box, one typically finds a black inkstone, a metal water dropper that can be removed and filled with water with a tiny opening or spout at the edge allowing the calligrapher to wet the stone’s surface in a controlled manner. Liquid ink is created by rubbing the ink stick’s tip lightly on the moistened stone, using a circular motion, and adding water to dilute the ink as necessary.