A Paulownia (Kiri) wood lacquer writing implement box and cover (suzuribako) 19th century

of slightly elongated form, the cover decorated in gold takamaki-e, hiramaki-e and mother-of-pearl inlays with three sages or the three sake tasters, Shaka, Roshi and Confucius on a boldly grained wood ground showing mokume, the interior of the cover finely decorated in gold, silver and iro-e hiramaki-e, and mother-of-pearl, with an elaborate frame, containing a shaped painting of a mountain and river landscape (sansui) and a constellation in togidashi on a silver ground, next to an incense stand, on a  mura-nashi-ji ground, fitted with an ink stone and a shibuichi round water dropper (suiteki) with a fitted wood box with an inscription suzuribako and seals, with Okajima or Okada family stock seals to the box (3)

Good 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The subject represents Sakusui sankyo with three sages, Roshi (Lao Tze), Shaka (Buddha) and Koshi (Confucius), who are often depicted tasting sake from a jar. This depiction is a metaphor explaining that although religious or philosophical origins are expressed differently, ultimately, they are derived from the same source.