Writing Box (Suzuribako) with Design of Fans
Unknown Artist
17th century
Medium
Gold and silver maki-e on gold-sprinkled lacquer
Dimensions
H. 2 in. (5.1 cm); W. 9 in. (22.9 cm); D. 9 7/8 in. (25.1 cm)
Classification
Lacquer
Culture & Period
Japan · Momoyama (1573–1615) or Edo period (1615–1868)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Benjamin Altman, 1913
Accession Number
14.40.841a–e
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Writing Box (Suzurako) with Design of*, crafted by an unknown Japanese artist in the 17th, hails from the opulent Momoyama (1573–1615) or early Edo period (1615–1868). Suzuribako were portable writing sets, elegantly housing inkstones, brushes, and paper, prized by samurai, scholars, and elites as both functional tools and symbols of refined taste. Measuring just 2 inches high, 9 inches wide, and nearly 10 inches deep, this compact lacquer box reflects the era's mastery of miniaturization and luxury craftsmanship. The box's surface dazzles with gold and silver *maki-e*—a rever...