Description<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0 The Suzuri (\u786f, inkstone) and Mizusashi (\u6c34\u5dee\u3057, jug) are stored in this Suzuri Bako. If you have a Sumi (\u58a8, inkstick), 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.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The theme of this Suzuribako’s design is a scenic landscape. The front side lid depicts a beautiful grand waterfall (\u6edd, Taki) behind pine trees (\u677e, Matsu) and cherry blossoms (\u685c, Sakura). Waterfalls are known as a favorite motif of Katsushika Hokusai (\u845b\u98fe\u5317\u658e), Japan’s most famous Ukiyoe artist active in the late Edo period. In this work, the speed of the vertically falling water stream is beautifully expressed by the multiple layers of vertical lines, and the spray and mist from the high waterfall is depicted by the numerous dots.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Cherry blossom is one of the seasonal things of spring, and it has been loved for a long time in Japan. Its pattern is designed not only for sword mountings but also for Kimono (\u7740\u7269, traditional Japanese costume) or furnishings. One theory says that the god of grain exists in cherry blossoms. Therefore, this flower pattern has been treated as the symbol of a plentiful harvest. People held a traditional custom under cherry blossom trees to pray for a bumper year in ancient times. It is said this is the origin of the cherry blossom viewing picnic today.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Regarding pine trees, as they 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 (\u5e38\u76e4\u8272, evergreen trees\u2019 dark green color with brown), and pine trees have another name \u201cTokiwa-Gi (\u5e38\u76e4\u6728).\u201d 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.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0On the back side of the lid and the inside of the box, the surfaces are decorated with the Nashiji Nuri (\u68a8\u5b50\u5730\u5857\/\u68a8\u5730\u5857) technique, which is a kind of Makie (\u8494\u7d75) 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 (\u938c\u5009) period (1185-1333), and in the Edo period, various techniques were devised to color the products.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Also, some autumn plants called Akikusa (\u79cb\u8349), such as Kiku (\u83ca, chrysanthemum), Kikyou (\u6854\u6897, Japanese bellflower), and Nadeshiko (\u64ab\u5b50, pink), growing near the floating water, are depicted elegantly. The flower on the back lid of the box is the chrysanthemum, which is one of the flowers that symbolizes fall, and people appreciate it very much since ancient times. It is said that this flower was used as a medicine for obtaining a long life in China a long time ago, and it was brought to Japan with this thought in the Nara period (648-781). As its petals form radially, the chrysanthemum has been likened to the sun. That is why this flower pattern is treated as the symbol of perpetual youth and longevity or good health. \u201cKiku no Gomon (\u83ca\u306e\u5fa1\u7d0b)\u201d is a kind of chrysanthemum pattern, and it has been used as the crest of the Emperor and the royal family in Japan so that it is well-known as a noble pattern.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Kikyou, depicted in the lower right side on the inside of the box, is a small star-shaped flower. It is said its root has medicinal efficacy. The Kikyou pattern has often been used as a motif of Tanka (\u77ed\u6b4c, a kind of traditional Japanese poem) and pictures since the Heian period (794-1185). Its name was initially \u201cKichikou,\u201d and it changed to \u201cKikyou\u201d with time. It is said this flower was used for fortune-telling in the old days. This action is called Kikkyou-wo Uranau (\u5409\u51f6\u3092\u5360\u3046) in Japanese. The word Kikkyou (\u5409\u51f6, good or bad omen) was associated with this flower\u2019s name. \u201cKichikou\u201d was compared to the word \u201cKichi Kou (\u5409\u66f4),\u201d which means further good fortune. That is why this flower pattern is treated as a good omen design.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Nadeshiko, on the left side, is a delicate and pretty pink flower with thin, lobed petals that blooms quietly in the fields. It is also one of the seven autumnal flowers, and mentioned in the Manyoshu (\u4e07\u8449\u96c6), the oldest extant collection of Japanese waka (poetry in classical Japanese) in the Nara period (the 8th century). It is said that the character of \u201c\u64ab\u5b50\u201d means that this flower seems to be like a cute child (\u5b50, Ko) to be caressed (\u64ab\u3067, Nade) and cherished, suggesting that people have loved this lovely flower since ancient times.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0The jug stored in the box has an arabesque (\u5510\u8349, Karakusa) pattern. It is a pattern in which stems and leaves of vines are twined and make curves. Since ivy has a strong vitality and grows up without interruption, people regarded this design as a symbol of prosperity and longevity. Vine is called Tsuru (\u8513) in Japanese, and it has another pronunciation; \u201cMan.\u201d There is a word \u4e07 (it is also read Man), which means ten thousand. In the Karakusa pattern, leaves and vines are connected like Obi (\u5e2f, belt). The word \u201c\u5e2f\u201d can also be read \u201cTai.\u201d Due to its pronunciation, the term \u201c\u4ee3 (Tai)\u201d is associated. From this word-association game, an idiom \u4e07\u4ee3 is associated, and it means a thousand generations. In other words, we could imagine that people used this design wishing prosperity and longevity for their clans for a long time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0*Makie\u2026\u2026A 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. \u00a0*Raden\u2026\u2026 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.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0*As this item is an antique, please check each photo and ensure its condition.<\/span><\/p>\n \u3010About us\u3011<\/span><\/strong>
\n\u00a0The Suzuri Bako (\u786f\u7bb1) 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 (\u8494\u7d75) and the *Raden (\u87ba\u923f) are popular ornamental techniques for this kind of item. Artisans developed various skills to decorate boxes.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/24-12-04_0012TOP-scaled.jpg\")
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/24-12-04_0014-scaled.jpg\")
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/24-12-04_0016-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\n
\n\u00a0Samurai 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. <\/span><\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/5623eabfdde4147c0ecdc704028c6ecd.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/SSL_payment_1222-01-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/48026a8af882b8fafae180fa48fbd5f4.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/mij_fs_icon_1023-05.jpg\"){kind=icon}
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/mij_fs_icon_1023-07.jpg\"){kind=icon}
<\/p>\n