Japanese Antique Gold Lacquer and Shell Inlay Boxes Signed by Ogata Kōrin

DescriptionAntique Japanese makie lacquer suzuri bako (writing box) and matching large stationary box signed with bold signatures on the bottom reading: 光琳　青々Kо̄rin Seisei an artist name used by Ogata Kōrin (1658 – 1716).Both boxes have domed lids and are decorated entirely in gold lacquer with highly raised designs of flowers and silver pine branches. The flowers are further embellished with inlaid shell. Inside the boxes are motifs of swirling water.The larger box was used for writing paper. It comes inside another box that is lacquered black and with silver writing on the lid stating 光琳蒔繪　御料紙 Kо̄rin Maki-e, Go-Ryо̄shi. (Kо̄rin Maki-e means: Makie made by Ogata Korin and his school. Ryо̄shi means writing paper).The smaller box is a suzuri bako used for writing implements. Inside the suzuri bako is an ink stone, a metal water dropper, two brushes and a knife, all original to the box. It also comes inside a protective box that is lacquered black and has silver writing that reads: 光琳蒔繪　御硯箱 Kо̄rin Maki-e, O-Suzuribako.The Rinpa School style is famous for creating natural scenes with bold patterns on a gold ground.<br><br>Age: Edo Period (1603-1867)<br><br>Dimensions: Large Box 8″ high x 17″ long x 13″ wide. Small box 3 3/4″ high x 10″ long x 9″ wide