With signature Ukanshi Ritsuo and inlaid ceramic seal Kan [Ogawa Haritsu (1663-1747)], Edo period (18th century)

Details

A Lacquer Suzuribako [Writing Box]
With signature Ukanshi Ritsuo and inlaid ceramic seal Kan [Ogawa Haritsu (1663-1747)], Edo period (18th century)
The rectangular box with overhanging cover, the exterior decorated in gold and coloured lacquer and inlaid with ceramic on a wood ground utilising the natural grain of the wood, with a design of coral amongst shells, the shells decorated with a boat, carriage, trees and grasses, the edges with a band scrolling foliage, the interior of the cover decorated in gold lacquer and inlaid with ceramic depicting seashells and seaweed against a red lacquer ground, fitted inner tray similarly decorated, containing an inkstone and a water dropper
26.5cm. long

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Anastasia von Seibold

avonseibold@christies.com +44 (0)20 7752 3127

Lot Essay

The decoration of this suzuribako is set against a wood surface. Haritsu specialised in the combination of unusual materials such as pottery, bone, lacquer, shell and wood. His sophisticated taste and modern approach appealed to literati circles in the eighteenth century, and he served as both artist and artistic adviser to the daimyo Tsugaru Nobuhisa (1669-1746).

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