Finest Quality Antique Japanese Suzuribako Writing Box

Here we have an exceptional quality antique Meiji period Japanese Suzuribako or writing box. It was made in the first quarter of the 20th century, the mulberry wood box and wooden implements were made by a leading Japanese carver Maeda Bunnosuke, his artist name was Somei. The coral and shell inlay to the front in Shibayama style was made by Nohara Sadaaki, he was an artist who specialised in shell carving and inlay. Several of his works are held at the University Art Museum in Tokyo. There are two small butterflies inlaid to the lid interior, the box is complete with two brushes, a blade, and awl and silver water dropper. The cover is signed on an inlaid lacquer reserve. The box is then presented wrapped in a cloth with a pillow and placed inside an outer pine box with Japanese script. That script tells us about the artists and that Nohara Sadaaki was aged 66 when it was made for an art exhibition. A wonderful and highly desirable item.