Writing Box (Suzuribako) with Design of Pine, Camellia, and Bamboo (base)

Cleveland Museum of Art

Rectangular box with lid; black lacquered exterior; gold bamboo and floral designs on sides; gold metal circle on lid. The box has a dark brown or black base color with a distressed gold trim around the edges. A central rectangular recessed area on the top surface is bordered with gold. Above the recessed area is a raised section with a circular gold metal inlay featuring a floral pattern and a hole in the center. The sides of the box have gold designs: two vertical panels with golden bamboo and flower motifs. The box appears to be made of wood or lacquered material.