A Lacquer Writing Box (Suzuribako)

A Lacquer Writing Box (Suzuribako)
(20th century), Zohiko (Nishimura Hikobei)
The rectangular box designed as a ledger book, the exterior finished to resemble a silk cover with "stitched" binding and with imitation title slip inscribed in black lacquer (Ryozai nendaiki gen), the underside of the cover inlaid with soft metal coins against a black-lacquer ground lightly dusted with hirame, the removable inner tray decorated to resemble ledger paper in gold takamaki-e; the inkstone formed as a balance weight and with lacquer nashiji on the sides and fundame on the edges, silver water dropper cast as an abacus; two writing brushes; edges fundame and rims silver
Writing box 10¾ x 7½ x 2 1/8in. (27.3 x 19 x 5.3cm.)
With wood box designed as a money chest with hinged cover and iron lock, signed and inscribed on the underside of the cover Hon kata onsuzuribako (Book-shaped writing box), Heian Zohiko kore (o) tsukuru (Made by Heian Zohiko) and sealed Zohiko

Inside of wrapper inscribed describing the presentation of this writing box to Endo Bansen from Baron Mitsui Takamine dated 1933.5.8