Japanese Lacquer Writing Box with Cranes, 1980s

Details

Description

This elegant lacquer box (urushi, 漆) was made as a writing box: a calm, functional piece for storing paper, brushes, … Read more This elegant lacquer box (urushi, 漆) was made as a writing box: a calm, functional piece for storing paper, brushes, calligraphy tools, or small documents. The design is minimalist yet striking, featuring two stylised cranes (tsuru) in red and gold against a deep, glossy black ground.

Dimensions: height 10.5 cm, width 23.5 cm, depth 32.5 cm.

The label reads 金蒔絵本塗 (kin maki-e hon-nuri), indicating a high-quality finish with gold maki-e decoration (蒔絵) and a fully lacquered “hon-nuri” finish (本塗). This is reflected in the crisp edges, rich shine, and carefully finished interior. Inside, the box has a warm brown tone with a subtle sparkle, and the inner panel bears gold calligraphy: 壽 (kotobuki, “good fortune / long life”), followed by two names.

The box comes with documentation from the Inoue Lacquerware Shop in Yokohama, a shop specialising in traditional lacquer and copper craftsmanship, founded in Meiji 40 (1907).

In very good condition, this box remains both stylish and practical: as a refined writing box on a desk, a storage piece in an open shelf, or a quiet catch-all for everyday essentials. See less