Antique Japanese Nashiji Lacquer Koto Suzuribako Writing Box Yamanaka Co Label For Sale

Antique Japanese Nashiji Lacquer Koto Suzuribako Writing Box - Yamanaka Label
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For sale is an exceptional, authentic antique Japanese Koto-shaped lacquer Suzuribako (calligraphy writing box), dating to the late Meiji to Taisho period (circa 1900–1920s). This museum-quality piece is exquisitely crafted in the form of a traditional Koto zither harp, featuring a beautifully rendered faux wood-grain lacquer finish.## DESIGN & ARTISAN DETAILS:
- **Instrument Detailing:** Features individually placed miniature bridges under taut wire strings and a magnificent, three-dimensional gilt-bronze dragon ornament (menuki) inset on a geometric diaper-patterned background. The lower base stands on two integrated wooden riser/sled feet modeled exactly like a full-sized musical Koto instrument setup.
- **Maki-e Work:** The outer side edges of the lid feature delicate, hand-painted maki-e floral vines depicting plum blossoms with raised colored detailing.
- **Premium Nashiji Lacquer:** The interior compartment tray bed and the entire underside base are fully covered in a brilliant, shimmering Nashiji (gold-flake) lacquer ground that catches natural light beautifully.
- **Original Content Tools:** Houses its original custom-fitted interior components, including a heavy black slate ink stone (suzuri) encased in a brass rim casing and a detailed, sculptural mixed-metal water dropper (suiteki).
- **Provenance:** The underside of the lid retains its original antique inventory sticker from the historic Yamanaka & Company gallery, showing the hand-stamped gallery numbers \"1817\" and \"445\", alongside an original vintage gallery price stamp of \"350.00\".## CONDITION:
Very good, stable antique condition. The main lacquer faces, instrumentation details, internal gold flake work, and writing tools remain completely intact and beautiful. Displays an authentic historical patina with minor, expected cosmetic edge wear, including light rubbing on the bottom footing and a few small, superficial lacquer flakes/chips along the outer corner rim edges, the inner corner nesting lip, and the thin black trim line of the lid rim. Please see all macro close-up photos for an exact look at condition.## SPECIFICATIONS:
- **Origin:** Japan (Imported via Yamanaka & Co.)
- **Style:** Meiji / Taisho Period Fine Art
- **Materials:** Lacquered wood, gold powder/flake, bronze, slate ink stone
- **Length:** 9 inches
- **Width:** Tapered from 4 inches (left head end) to 3.5 inches (right tail end)
- **Height:** 1.5 inches## SHIPPING & HANDLING:Note: Due to the high value of this antique, full shipping insurance and mandatory signature delivery confirmation will be provided at no extra cost to the buyer to ensure safe arrival.Ships professionally packed in a secure, heavily protected double-box with premium padding within 1 to 2 business days via USPS Ground Advantage. International shipping is available through the International Shipping Program.