Title: Japanese lacquer box-Bajo Musha Zu
Description
The Suzuri Bako (硯箱) is a type of box in which writing instruments such as writing brushes, ink sticks, or inkstone are stored. Also, some people use it to put a small knife or calendar. The Suzuri Bako is often made from lacquered wood. The *Makie (蒔絵) and the *Raden (螺鈿) are popular ornamental techniques for this kind of item. Artisans developed various skills to decorate boxes.
The Suzuri (硯, inkstone), Sumi (墨, inkstick), Fude (筆, brush) and Bunchin (文鎮, paperweight) are stored in this Suzuri Bako. You could use these tools for Japanese calligraphy. You could also display this Suzuri Bako to enjoy as a part of the interior decoration in your room. This box is decorated with the traditional Japanese technique; it would make an elegant and luxurious atmosphere. Or, it would be a special gift for someone who enjoys calligraphy.
On the back side of the lid and the inside of the box, the surfaces are decorated with the Nashiji Nuri (梨子地塗/梨地塗) technique, which is a kind of Makie (蒔絵) method. This surface treatment method creates a rough texture by creating fine unevenness on the surface of the metal. They also come in varying degrees of gloss, including glossy, semi-gloss, and matte. According to a theory, it was invented in the Kamakura (鎌倉) period (1185-1333), and in the Edo period, various techniques were devised to color the products.
Regarding the design, the figure of Samurai warriers riding on a horse, which is called Bajo (馬上, on a horse) Musha (武者, Samurai warrier), is depicted on the front lid. Judging from their wearing luxurious armors, they seem to be a high-ranked Samurai. Also, they have a large bow (弓, Yumi) and arrows (矢, Ya). The bow and arrow called Yumi-Ya (弓矢) was once one of the classical primary weapons for Samurai. Additionally, it was believed that the Yumi-Ya would exorcize evil spirits in the house. And in the Edo period, small bow and arrows were given to baby boys as their first New Year’s gift in hope for them growing to be a respectable Samurai warrier.
The back lid and the inside of the box depict a plant called Kakitsubata (杜若/燕子花, Iris laevigata or rabbit-ear iris). Kakitsubata flowers color the waterside during their short flowering time; Japanese people have loved this elegant appearance since ancient times. This flower has been treated as a motif in various arts, such as poems or pictures. There is a famous collection of Japanese poems that is called the Ise Monogatari (伊勢物語, The Tales of Ise). One of the well-known episodes in this book treats the Kakitsubata. The plot of the story is as follows. The protagonist no longer felt comfortable living in the city and decided to go to the eastern country, which was the countryside at that time. He left the town with his friends, and during the journey, one of them found that Kakitsubatas were blooming at the waterside. The protagonist was requested to write a poem using characters of the Kakitsubata (it is written as かきつばた in Hiragana character), and he responded to this challenging request. He composed a nostalgic poem, and it made them feel homesick for their home or families.
On the inkstone, it seems a tree of peach (桃, Momo) is designed. In ancient times, people considered peach as a sacred tree and would exterminate evil spirits. It is said that there was a custom of eliminating evil spirits with bows and peach branches made from peach trees. According to a Chinese legend, a fairy ate peaches and extended her 3,000 year old age. Based on this folklore, this fruit represents longevity. Also, there is a famous Japanese fairy tale called Momotarou (桃太郎 , Momo means peach in Japanese); this is the main character’s name; this is the story about the conquest of ogres by him. The peach pattern symbolizes good luck and victory due to this folklore. Also, in the Kojiki 古事記 , regarded as the oldest history book in existenc e in Japan), it is written that peaches were growing on the border that separates this world from the next world. It gave meaning: resuscitation for this motif.
The shape of the paperweight is a Ichou (銀杏, Ginkgo Biloba) leave. This plant contains lots of water; therefore, it is fire-resistant. It does not quickly die even if flames burn it. Because of its strong vitality and longevity, the Ichou pattern has been considered a good-luck motif. In Japan, Ichou trees can often be found in shrines. People worship it as the Goshinboku (ご神木, tree of worship) and treat it respectfully. Also, many families use this plant pattern for their family crests. In Japanese, there is another word that has the same pronunciation as the Ichou (銀杏). It is written as “異朝” and means a foreign country. Based on this common pronunciation, people thought the Ichou (銀杏) pattern showed the joy of welcoming honored guests from overseas.
As for the inkstick, we estimate its surface depicts a Chinese calligraphy and painting. There seem to be a watchtower-like building in front and mountains and rivers in the distance. These motifs are painted white and gold. Also, the tree grown near the building is colored blue beautifully. When you enjoy the calligraphy, you can just add a few drops of water and rub the ink stick in a circular direction slowly.
*Makie……A typical Japanese lacquer art technique developed uniquely in Japan for about 1200 years. Firstly, it needs to draw a picture with lacquer on the surface with a thin brush. Next, sprinkle the gold powder from above to show the pattern before the lacquer hardens. This technique makes a gorgeous and elegant look to works.
*Raden…… It is a kind of decorative technique that is often used for traditional craftworks. It uses the pearl part of seashells and puts it into the engraved surface of lacquer or wood. Thanks to its iridescent luster, it gives a luxurious look to works.
*As this item is an antique, please check each photo and ensure its condition.
【About us】
Samurai Museum is located in Tokyo, Japan, exhibiting antique artifacts related to the Samurai history. Samurai Museum Shop is the place for those who are interested in Japanese culture and craftsmanship. We deal with antique Samurai swords/armor, traditional crafts made in Japan and so on.
【Payment method】
We accept payment through Stripe (Credit card), PayPal, Apple Pay or ChromePay, all of which are secure payment methods. Also, you don’t need to make an account on Stripe for the checkout. If you prefer other payment method, please contact us. You may either pay in JPY, USD, AUD, CAD, EUR, CHF or GBP. The price is set in Japanese Yen. Prices in other currencies are automatically calculated based on the latest exchange rate.
【Shipping duration】
We normally ship via EMS (Express Mail Service) provided by Japan Post. It usually takes at least 5-14 days to deliver the package after you place an order.
We offer Free International Shipping as long as we can ship your order by EMS. If you prefer other shipping carriers, please contact us.
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*If you like to make sure if EMS shipping is available to your country, please contact us.
【Antique Japanese item and Export process】
After receiving the full payment from you, we will apply for its export permit from the Board of Education to legally export the item to other countries. It normally takes around 2 to 4 weeks to receive this permit. And we would like you to expect at least 1.0 – 1.5 months for your order to arrive at your given address after you ordered.
【How to make sure the condition】
Please keep in mind that what you are going to purchase is an antique item. We uploaded high resolution photos for you to check its condition thoroughly. If you like to see more photos with different angles, please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to send them to you so that you can make informed decision.
It is essential for us to know that you are happy with your choice of antique item and we are prepared to use the best of our ability to serve you.
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https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product-category/antique/
