A RARE LACQUER BUNKO (DOCUMENT BOX) WITH INTEGRATED SUZURIBAKO (WRITING BOX)Japan, 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Of rectangular form, with silver rims and a flush-fitting cover. The exterior lacquered in nashiji and finely decorated in gold and silver hiramaki-e to the cover with two confronting ho-o (phoenixes) with wings and tail feathers continuing over to the sides which are similarly decorated with various floral and foliate mon, some of which are variations of the kiri (paulownia) mon. The interior lacquered in nashiji and fitted with a removable compartment holding two boards similarly decorated with flowers and grasses and fitted with a suzuri (ink stone) and moon-shaped silver waterdropper (suiteki).SIZE 10.5 x 22.5 x 18.1 cmCondition: Good condition with some wear, small dents and few minor tears to silver rims, few minor age cracks.With a wood tomobako inscribed 梨子地鳳凰蒔絵、御硯箱 "Nashiji-ji hoo makie, on-suzuribako" [Suzuribako in the nashiji lacquer finish, with the design of Hoo birds].The kiri mon is one of the five major family crests in Japan, and one of the two imperial crests, along with the kiku (chrysanthemum) mon. More than 140 designs of the kiri mon exist. Originally, the paulownia seal was the private symbol of the Japanese Imperial Family, from as early as the sixteenth century. The Toyotomi clan, led by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, later adopted the paulownia seal for use as the crest of his clan. After the Meiji Restoration, the seal was eventually adopted as the emblem of the Japanese government.Both the ho-o bird and the paulownia (kiri) tree are imperial symbols of Japan. According to legend, the ho-o, a bird similar to the phoenix that represents the eternal rebirth of the soul, only settles on the Kiri tree. In the hope of attracting this auspicious bird that blesses people with wisdom, health and happiness, the trees are planted in courtyards and gardens.