A set of bundai (writing table) and suzuribako (writing box) and coverBy Kumazawa Shinsho, Meiji (1868-1912) or Taisho (1912-1926) era, early 20th century
The bundai of standard form with fudegaeshi (raised sections to left and right); the ten silver fittings to the corners and sides of the top and the ends of the fudegaeshi chiselled with floral designs, the legs lined in silver; the suzuribako rounded rectangular with a kabusebuta (overhanging lid) with chiri-i (narrow ledge between top and sides), the box and lid both with silver rims; the interior frame and baseboard fitted with suzuri (ink-grinding stone) with gold-lacquered rim and silver-gilt suiteki (water-dropper) in the form of a garden rake, basket and cherry blossoms; the other writing implements comprising a kiri (paper-skewer), kogatana (paper knife) and sumitori (ink-holder), each with nashiji lacquer handles (two also with covers) and chiselled metal fittings matching those for the bundai, and three fude (writing brushes) with nashiji lacquer handles and covers; the lacquer decoration of both bundai and suzuribako executed in bright gold lacquer and gold, silver and aokin hiramaki-e and takamaki-e with gold okibirame, depicting stylized chrysanthemums by a garden fence, rocks, water, sasa (bamboo grass) and hagi (bush clover), the interior of the suzuribako with bamboo saplings; the interior of the lid with mountains, pines and a stream; the underside of both bundai and suzuribako gold nashiji lacquer; the box signed inside at left Shinsho; each with a lacquered wood storage box, the box for the bundai inscribed Kinji magaki ni kiku maki-e on-bundai Goyo maki-eshi Kumazawa Shinsho kinsaku (Writing table with maki-e design of chrysanthemums and fence on a kinji ground, respectfully made by Kumazawa Shinsho, imperial maki-e artist) and sealed Shinsho; the box for the suzuribako inscribed Kinji magaki ni kiku maki-e on-suzuribako (Writing box with maki-e design of chrysanthemums and fence on a kinji ground). The bundai: 10.8cm x 64cm x 37cm (4¼in x 25¼in x 14½in); the suzuribako: 6cm x 23cm x 26cm (4¼in x 9in x 10¼in). (13).