Cranes & Waves

Vintage 1960s

CRANES & WAVES

A superb Wajima lacquer writing box, suzuribako, 硯箱, painted in gold makie lacquer, cranes in flight over curling waves.
Maki-e (literally “sprinkled pictures”) is a lacquerware technique that originated in Japan around 1,200 years ago.

Maki-e is done by painting lacquer motifs on the surface of a piece using a fine brush and then sprinkling gold powder onto the lacquer before it hardens, producing luxurious decorations.

To buy a new writing box, suzuribako, 硯箱 of this quality and standard in Japan today the price would start at a Minimum of A$2,800 upwards.

Originally custom made to order in the 1960s this box is in as new condition, a stored family treasure.

Refer to the large images for full of details of quality and condition.
Original Tomobako - Wood Box
Characters read Suzuribako - writing box
Width about : 21.5 cm
Length about : 27.5 cm
Height about: 5.0 cm
Weight about: 777 grams

A$330


The finest quality wood lacquer in the world is that made in Japan.
Made using only the best woods such as, Zelkova (Keyaki), Japanese Chestnut, Japanese Cypress, Magnolia, Cherry.
It takes approximately 6 months and 23 different processes from start to finish to produce each individual Handmade Item.
Wajima Lacquer:
Lacquer ware production in Wajima is thought to date back to ancient times. Lacquer products from 6,800 years ago have also been discovered at the Mibiki Ruins, also on the Noto Peninsula . In Wajima, lacquer products have been excavated at the Yadani B ruins, which are remains from the Heian period.
The oldest surviving Wajima lacquerware is said to be the vermilion door of the former main hall of Juzo Shrine (Kawaimachi, Wajima City), which is said to have been made in 1524 during the Muromachi period .
It is said that the current Wajima-nuri technique was established during the Kanbun era in the early Edo period. Wajima, located at the northern tip of the Noto Peninsula, was a port of call for ships such as the Kitamae-bune, and by this time they had already expanded their sales channels by taking advantage of shipping.

Today, Wajima lacquerware is widely sold as high-class lacquerware, and the Wajima Lacquer Art Museum in Wajima City in Ishikawa Prefecture has become a tourist spot.