A FINE LACQUER SUZURIBAKO DEPICTING A PAIR OF PIGEONS Japan, early to mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Of unusual oval form, the cover finely decorated in gold and silver takamaki-e depicting two pigeons, their feet and beaks inlaid in stained horn, the eyes inlaid in glass. The interior embellished with shida wakaba ferns in gold takamaki-e and with a silver patinated metal character 申 which is pronounced Shin and represents 神 (Kami). The detachable baseboard with a suzuri (ink-grinding stone) and a cloisonné enamel suiteki (water dropper) in the form of a teapot with a fitted silver mount. SIZE 24.1 x 20.3 x 4.6 cm Condition: Very good condition, minor wear, discoloration to the lacquer, minor losses to the inlays and rims, light surface scratches. Provenance: British private collection. Two old labels to the silver mount of the suiteki.