A BLACK AND GOLD LACQUER SUZURIBAKO WITH THE MOON, HO-O BIRDS AND KIRI MONSJapan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)Of rounded rectangular form, the domed overhanging cover bearing a roiro ground decorated in gold hiramaki-e and takamaki-e with pewter and silver takazogan as well as highlights in aogai, gold foil, and silver kirikane to depict a flowering prunus branch under a crescent moon in a starry sky, the interior of the cover with a nashiji ground similarly decorated, adding silver takamaki-e, e-nashiji, and scattered gold kirikane, depicting a magnificent ho-o bird in flight surrounded by clusters of kiri (paulownia) mons. The interior of the box with a sparser nashiji ground similarly decorated with another ho-o bird and kiri mons, the depiction partly obscured and at the same time continued on the fitted tray holding the rectangular ink stone and copper suiteki (waterdropper) in the form of a stylized persimmon.SIZE 21.5 x 19.5 x 4.6 cmCondition: Good condition with some surface wear, minor age cracks, small nicks, occasional light scratches, minor flaking to lacquer, small losses to gold foil. The base with extensive scratching as well as small nicks and losses to lacquer.Provenance: Dutch collection.According to legend, the ho-o bird will only nest in paulownia trees, and only in peacetime and when a virtuous ruler is in power. With hopes of attracting the auspicious birds, the trees are planted in courtyards and gardens across Japan. Notes RefButton4