A lacquered and inlaid suzuribako (box for writing utensils) and cover


Edo period (1615-1868), 19th centuryOf rounded rectangular with a kabusebuta (overhanging lid) entirely covered in black lacquer, the exterior of the lid decorated in gold hiramaki-e with a pair of ducks, one gliding on the water, the mandarin duck applied in pewter low relief and perched on rocks, the interior of the box and lid similarly lacquered in gold hiramaki-e and shell inlay with a flock of migrating stylised chidori (plovers or dotterels); unsigned. 4cm x 28.1cm x 26.7cm (1½in x 11cm x 10½in). (2).