Quote:
Originally Posted by buckwheat
I was surprised to hear the script is Chinese. I had hoped it would identify the maker of the contents. I guess I was in error by not showing the contents in my post. As you can see in my image, it holds a finely decorated suzuribako or writing supplies and ink stone box. I have always been enamoured by the arts of Japan, especially lacquer and metal work.
Your translation seems right on track and I would love to hear your opinion of the maker's name. This is my first post here and your kind assist is most welcome. I will be away from my computer for 2 days so I will not be able to respond again before then.
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Oh that is a beauty. Are you stationed in Japan? I'd love to see it. I study calligraphy and this makes my heart go boom -tt - boom -tt - boom. Could you post pictures of the stone without the cover?
Last thing: the script being in Chinese characters does not mean it is a Chinese item. It all depends how old it is, I do not think it's very old though. Nonetheless, calligraphers are not the only ones that use Chinese in their works, many craftsmen, especially older ones, use it as well. Kana is not used on 桐箱 （きりばこ）.
Well what do you know. We solved the mystery of the flower basket, have we not. I think, that in order to crack where it is from, we would need to reveal the last letter. Also, since the wooden basket is not a name, apparently (which now confirms what I have said about signatures being on the left hand side or bottom of the text) I would love to crack the two remaining meanings of the right hand side 行 (vertical verse). The third kanji with kusakamuri radical is surely pointing at a flower or that plant. Perhaps those two characters are a name of a plant that sits in the basket.
So, the 4 on the right side is a description of the lacquering. On the left we have the contents and how it was made. Now, the question is, does that box have any stamp at all. Perhaps at the bottom? Also, check the item itself. There should be a manufacturer stamp. Work of a craftsman in Japan is like sex without orgasm, generally pleasant but rather confusing.
On Sunday, I am meeting my teacher. I'll try to remember to bring a pic. of it and show it to him. If I do not solve this till then, or someone does not help us out, he should nail that sig.
Oh yeah, and the design is definitely Japanese, in mho.