A gold maki-e lacquer suzuribako (writing box) depicting Ao-no-Domon, a scenic historic site in Oita Prefecture within the Yaba-Hita-Hikosan Quasi-National Park. The rocky cliff is rendered in fine gold nashiji and raden (mother-of-pearl inlay), accompanied by pines and autumn maples, with the Edo-period tunnel carved beneath the mountain. The underside of the lid bears a Chinese poem titled Hikosan by Hirose Tanso, a noted local scholar.
Hirose Tanso (1782-1856) was born in Hita, Oita. He founded the private academy Kangien in Hita, which educated a great number of pupils and was among the largest private schools in Japan. The set comprises a rectangular inkstone (suzuri) and a silver water dropper (suiteki).
Dimensions: H 4.3 cm / W 25.6 cm / D 18.2 cm
Includes: Writing box, water dropper, inkstone, wooden box
Condition: Slight denting from age and use at the upper part of the central mountain; a lacquer crack from age on one side; slight loss to the gold on the inkstone; scratches on the underside of the box from use. Otherwise a clean appearance in solid condition, fully usable as a practical item.
Please refer to the photos for the item's current appearance and condition.
