A SUZURIBAKO [WRITING BOX] LATE MEIJI – TAISHO PERIOD, EARLY 20TH CENTURY ATTRIBUTED TO SHIRAYAMA SHOSAI (1853-1923) |

the rectangular box with overhanging cover and canted corners, decorated in iroe togidashi, with scattered peacock feathers on a black ground decorated in iroe togidashi, hiramaki-e and nashiji, the underside of the cover decorated with a crane and a pine tree in a roundel, inset into a nashiji ground, the fitted interior with a tray decorated with scattered feathers, inkstone with fundame ground and feathers in hiramaki-e, the silver waterdropper with a single feather

Edmund J. Lewis, Shadows and Reflections: Japanese Lacquer Art from the Collection of Edmund J. Lewis at the Honolulu Academy of Arts (Honolulu, 1996), no. 76, pp. 196-199

As can be seen in the illustration, the cover has a few small dents and the surface would benefit from being cleaned. The inner frame supporting the ink-stone and water-dropper has a small chip to the edge where the water-dropper has been put in and out. Otherwise in 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. 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."