Title: Japanese lacquer box-Matsu ni Hana 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) is stored in this Suzuri Bako. If you have the Sumi (墨, inkstick), you could use this Suzuri for Japanese calligraphy. You can also display it 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.
The theme of this Suzuribako’s design is related to plant motifs. The front side of this box’s lid depicts several plants such as pine trees (松, Matsu), Iris laevigata or rabbit-ear iris (杜若/燕子花, Kakitsubata), and morning glory (朝顔, Asagao) within square shaped frames as if the pictures are arranged. Regarding the pine trees, two types of designs are depicted on this box. One is the Kasamatsu (笠松), and the other is the Wakamatsu (若松). Kasamatsu is the design in which the leaves of pine trees resemble a conical hat (笠, Kasa), and Wakamatsu means young pine trees, which have new buds on the tips of their pine needles.
On the left lower side of the front side lid, you would see a house under the Karamatsu designed pine trees. Behind the scenery, young pine trees are also depicted. As pine trees keep their green color throughout the years by withstanding severe heat and cold, people thought this plant pattern represents eternal youth. Furthermore, its color is called Tokiwa-Iro (常盤色, evergreen trees’ dark green color with brown), and pine trees have another name “Tokiwa-Gi (常盤木).” Tokiwa means immutability, so Tokiwa-Iro is a color that praises green with a wish for longevity and prosperity. It is said this color was appreciated, especially in the Edo period, as a good-luck color. The pine tree design gives us an elegant and noble impression; it might be another reason that people love this motif.
Kakitsubatas 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.
Also, Kakitsubata is famous for being used in a poem by Ariwara no Narihira (在原業平, 825-880), who was a famous Japanese courtier and poet. It is said that when he saw the field of Kakitsubata flowers in Yatsuhashi (located in today’s Aichi prefecture) while traveling, he was so impressed by its beauty and composed the most famous Japanese iris themed poem, which was said to make his companion cry. Also, the flower pattern was loved by Ogata Korin (尾形光琳, 1658-1716), a renowned Japanese artist, and his masterpiece depicting Kakitsubata is also said to be the most renowned iris painting in Japan.
As for the morning glory, it blooms in the summer in Japan; however, it is treated as a season word of fall. This is because of the difference between Japan’s old calendar and the new calendar. Therefore, this Saya is decorated with motifs that symbolize autumn and gives you a sense of this season.
If you look at the back side of the lid and the inside of the box, young pine trees are partly depicted with the Makie technique. Young pine design has been used to celebrate the New Year as an auspicious symbol.
As you can see, this Suzuri Box is characterized by the beauty of the nature, and you might feel as if you were on a journey like Ariwara no Narihira.
*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】
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【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.
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【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.
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