A charming rectangular lacquered suzuribako 硯箱 (writing box) featuring a serene depiction of two cormorants perched on a coastal fort, one with outstretched wings, set against a beige cloudy background framed by a brown bevelled border. The design is rendered in multi-coloured hiramaki-e 平蒔絵 (low-relief lacquer design) in shades of beige, brown, orange, silver, gold, and black. The unique bevelled sides of the box are divided between beige and brown tones. The interior is finished in glossy black lacquer 蝋色漆 (rôiro’urushi) and houses an inkstone 硯 (suzuri) and a silver metal oval water dropper 水滴 (suiteki). The reverse of the lid is signed ‘Rissan saku’ 立山作 (Made by Rissan). It comes with the original signed and sealed wooden tomobako 供箱 (storage box), inscribed ‘u maki’e suzuribako’ 鵜蒔絵硯箱 (Cormorant maki-e writing box), signed ‘Rissan saku’ 立山作 (Made by Rissan) and sealed with the 4-character name seal ‘Shirazaki Rissan’ 白崎立山. A Japanese newspaper dated 20.3.1959 is also included inside the box. Dimensions: Height 4.2 cm, Width 16.2 cm, Length 23.5 cm. Period: Japan – Mid-20th century (Mid-Shôwa period). In very good condition with minimal signs of wear conforming to age. Please refer to the photos for a clear condition reference. When shipped, we will add a certificate of authenticity.