A SUZURIBAKO [WRITING BOX] MEIJI PERIOD, LATE 19TH-EARLY 20TH CENTURY |

the rectangular box with over-hanging cover decorated in gold, silver and black hiramaki-e and takamaki-e and silver and mother-of-pearl inlays with crows and herons above pines and other foliage in moonlight and inlaid with the characters koe [call] and yofukaki [the night is still deep], with fitted storage box

Stephen Little and Edmund J. Lewis View of the Pinnacle, Japanese Lacquer writing boxes (Hawaii, 2011), no.66 pp.166-167

Overall in fine condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The suzuribako’s storage box is signed Urushi-sho Hyōkan [the Lacquer worker Hyōkan], with a seal reading Urushi-sho Okada Hyōkan [the lacquer worker Okada Hyōkan); and Maki-e-shi Mitsutaka [the lacquer master Mitsutaka], with a seal reading Mitsutaka. Inside the fitted box cover is a waka poem by Shokoin-no-miya Doko Hosshinnoh (1612 – 1678):

Asagarasu 

koe suru mori no 

kozue shimo 

tsuki wa yofukaki 

ariake no kage 

Even at daybreak 

when the squawks of crows are heard 

from the branches of the wood 

the moon casts its pale shadows 

as if it were still night.