Property from the Paul and Helen Anbinder Collection A GOLD-LACQUER SHELL-INLAID WRITING BOXEdo period (1615-1868), circa 18th century Rectangular with bombé sides and rounded corners, the lid of inrōbuta (flush-fitting) type with a slightly domed top, the interior fitted with an ita with a raised central section with recesses for the suzuri (ink stone) and suiteki (missing except for the metal liner); the top and sides with a variety of stylized floral motifs against a pōzunagi (linked cash) ground, the interior with a contrasting design of maple leaves and waves; the wood substrate covered in gold lacquer, the decoration flush-inlaid in shell; the rims silvered metal; the other surfaces black lacquer 2 5/8 x 8 7/8 x 9 7/8 in (6.8 x 22.6 x 25cm) Provenance Vicki Shiba Asian Art, Arts of Pacific Asia, New York, March 23, 2007 Exhibited Cornell University, Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, "Scattered Gold and Midnight Gloss, Japanese Lacquer from the Anbinder Collection," March 31-July 8, 2007