A RARE LACQUER SUZURIBAKO WITH OWL AND MOON Japan, c. 1700-1750, Edo period (1615-1868) The rectangular suzuribako (writing box) with a black-lacquered exterior, the cover finely lacquered in gold and silver takamaki-e depicting an owl perched on a leafy oak tree with many acorns, above craggy rockwork, ferns, and small plants, all below the silver moon partially hidden beneath kirikane-inlaid clouds and gold-sprinkled mist. The inside of the cover shows a beautiful reddish nashiji ground and is lacquered in gold and silver takamaki-e depicting various flowers, grasses, and a fence. The interior with further nashiji, a tray showing a blooming flower, and a compartment containing the original suzuri (ink stone), and brass suiteki (water dropper), as well as further takamaki-e plants. SIZE 22.6 x 21 x 4.5 cm Condition: Good overall condition with age-related wear, including some tiny losses and subsequent touch-ups to the cover, some light surface scratches, some crackling and old repairs to the edges of the cover and box, and some general associated wear. The ink stone with a large chip. Provenance: Ex-collection Claudio Perino, a collector with a keen interest in Japanese, Chinese and Far Eastern cultures. His collection consists of over 2000 works of art, partly loaned to the Museum of Oriental Arts (MAO) in Turin, Italy and to the Museo delle Culture (MUSEC) in Lugano, Switzerland. An exhibition of Kakemono scroll paintings is currently on view in the MUSEC until end of April 2021. Auction comparison: A related suzuribako with an owl and dated to the 18th century was sold by Christie's, Japanese Art and Design, 14 May 2008, London, lot 35 (sold for 4,750 GBP).