A LACQUER SUZURIBAKO DEPICTING SHISHI AND HOTEI Japan, 18th-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Of rounded rectangular form, bearing a roiro ground, the cover finely decorated in gold and colored takamaki-e with e-nashiji to depict two ferocious shishi standing foursquare in dynamic poses, well detailed with scrolling bushy manes and tails, muscular bodies, sharp claws and fangs, and large bulging eyes with black pupils ringed in red. The interior is decorated in gold, silver and black hiramaki-e to depict Hotei standing beside his large treasure sack detailed with paulownia sprays and phoenixes in gold takakami-e, supporting himself on a cane and holding a fan in his left hand, wearing a loose-fitting robe, his face with a cheerful expression framed by large earlobes. The baseboard fitted with plain brush holders and a suzuri (inkstone). The interior with gold fundame edges. SIZE 4.5 x 25.4 x 23.5 cm Condition: Good condition with some wear, minor rubbing to gilt, small nicks to interior of the cover, occasional light scratches. Some discoloration to the silver-lacquered robe of Hotei. Provenance: Dutch collection. With a red-lacquered wood storage box.