Amazing 16th-17th century (Momoyama to early Edo period) lacquered box made of panels of raw sliced bracket fungi (jap. Saru-no-koshikake or Monkey Chair), the edges sculpted with gold filigree in maki-e on black. The astonishing display of colors on top intimates a sage standing among stones in a garden. The interior is performed with intense clouds of powdered gold on black lacquer. It contains a tray into which is set a suzuri-ishi (ink-grinding stone) with gold edges and a silver tray upon which rests a water dropper (suiteki) in the shape of a stylized orchid flower in precious metals. The box is 27 x 21 x 8 cm 10-1/2 x 8-1/4 x 3-1/4 inches). It comes enclosed in an equally ancient wooden box. The corners of the box are stable but have hairline cracks at the joints, and there is one scratch about 2.5 cm (1 inch) long on the top. Otherwise it is in surprisingly good condition considering age and use.
