Japanese Lacquered Writing Box - Suzuri Bako Rimpa school

On a black lacquer ground (ro-iro) the decoration represents several branches of leaves and flowers of ivy tangled in gold lacquer, lead and finely polished mother-of-pearl resulting in an iridescence in various colors. 2 original brushes and knife complete this writing desk. The water pourer (mizu-ire) decorated with an ivy leaf is silver. This remarkable quality work is similar to the Rinpa (or Rimpa) school whose name comes from the artist Ogata Korin. Period: Meiji f1868-1912) late 19th century. A wooden box accompanies this writing desk with a calligraphy detailing the decoration and a poem.