Of rectangular form, the cover worked on a dense kinji ground finely and evenly sprinkled with nashiji, decorated in gold and silver maki-e with an autumn garden composition of kiku (chrysanthemum), hagi and seasonal grasses cascading above a carefully articulated bamboo fence (takegaki). The fence is rendered in precise hira-maki-e with fine black lacquer contouring, the floral clusters combining hira-maki-e and restrained low takamaki-e modelling. Silver foliage executed in gin-pun maki-e, now softly oxidised, provides tonal contrast against the gold ground. A grasshopper in gold maki-e rests among the grasses. Elongated cloud bands at the upper register are subtly modulated in gold and silver powders. The right margin bordered with a geometric diaper pattern in gilt maki-e.
The interior of the lid decorated in gold and silver maki-e with a courtly veranda scene, architectural elements and figures rendered in restrained low takamaki-e with finely incised detailing. The garments articulated with controlled powder gradations, hair in rō-iro black lacquer. Below, a landscaped foreground with stream, rocks and pine rendered in delicate line work and powder modulation, incorporating gin-pun highlights. The ground beneath the veranda densely worked in reddish kinji/nashiji to create spatial separation.
The sides continuing the nashiji ground, one panel carrying the bamboo fence motif around the edge in disciplined hira-maki-e, with subtle extension of grasses across the corner transitions.
The interior fitted with a large suzuri (inkstone) set within a gilt-metal mount and showing signs of use, together with a patinated metal suiteki incorporating the water reservoir and side spout; the underside finished in evenly dispersed nashiji.
Size: 20cm x 17cm.
Condition: Exceptionally well preserved overall. A minute pinpoint lacquer loss to one flower; otherwise in excellent condition.
