A butterfly alights on the camelia flower bursting in pink inlayed shell on the nashiji powdered gold surface of this 18th-19th century lacquered writing box. Inside the lid two birds soar over a belt of plum blossoms like an Obi kimono sash or zig-zagging fence. Inside the box contains a gild lined Suzuri ink stone and water dropper in the shape of a sailing ship, an ancient plum blossoming boldly in the accompanying brush tray. It is 20 x 22 x 3.7 cm (8 x 9 x 1-1/2 inches) and is in overall excellent condition, enclosed in an age darkened custom made wooden box.
