Suzuribako Set – Inkstone and Pure Silver 16Water Dropper

Important notes

International Buyers: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility.
Please check with your country’s customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying. These duties are paid to your country's customs office and not to us. Prompt payment of these fees is necessary to ensure delivery of your item.
Please note: VAT paid to Catawiki is separate from and do not cover import duties, or customs charges in your country. You may still be required to pay additional fees upon delivery, as determined by your local customs authorities.

Product details

This 20th-century suzuribako (writing box) set includes an inkstone and a water dropper made of pure silver (16g). The exterior is finished in black lacquer, featuring detailed maki-e depictions of autumn flowers: chrysanthemums, bellflowers, bush clovers, and thoroughworts. Accents of nashiji—a technique using gold or silver flecks to create a subtle shimmer—add depth and elegance to the design. The suzuribako bears the stamp of Zohiko on the underside.

Each flower carries symbolic meaning in Japanese culture. Chrysanthemums symbolize longevity and rejuvenation, while bellflowers represent resilience and the changing seasons. Bush clovers are associated with perseverance, and thoroughworts symbolize elegance and nostalgia. Together, these motifs evoke the spirit of autumn and the fleeting beauty of nature.

Maki-e is a traditional Japanese decorative technique where powdered gold or silver is sprinkled onto wet lacquer to form intricate designs.

Heian Zohiko, a prestigious lacquerware workshop in Kyoto, was founded in 1661 as an ivory carving studio. It became renowned for maki-e through the work of the third-generation master, Nishimura Hikobei, who created a famous panel depicting "The White Elephant and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva." In 1965, the ninth-generation master, Nishimura Hikobei, inherited the workshop, continuing to produce historically significant reproductions. His work includes contributions to the lacquered finishes in the new Imperial Palace and the creation of sacred treasures for the 62nd Ise Grand Shrine Reconstruction.

The set shows signs of wear consistent with age, including slight scuffs, some discoloration, and areas where the lacquer on the lid surface has slightly lifted. Please refer to the photos for a detailed view of the condition.

Dimensions: approx. H 4 cm W 22.4 cm D 24.7 cm

Please make sure to review all the provided information and images before placing your bid.
We make every effort to accurately represent the product's colors and textures in our photos. However, due to differences in monitors and device displays, as well as photographic conditions, slight color variations between the photos and the actual product may occur. We ask for your understanding in advance.

Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!




Hét online veilinghuis voor jou!

Catawiki is het meest bezochte online platform in Europa voor bijzondere objecten geselecteerd door experts, en biedt wekelijks meer dan 65.000 objecten aan voor de veiling. Het is onze missie om onze klanten een spannende en probleemloze ervaring te bieden bij het kopen en verkopen van bijzondere, moeilijk te vinden objecten.


Waarom Catawiki?

Lage veilingkosten

Al onze objecten zijn gecontroleerd door onze 240+ experts

24/7 meebieden in onze app

Biedingen zijn alleen geldig via de website van Catawiki.