A Japanese lacquer suzuribako writing box and cover, 19th century, the cover decorated with a mother-of-pearl vase with wire detail issuing a gilt and brown peony spray on a gilt speckled brown ground, the underside of cover similarly worked with sparrows flying above blossoming branches, rocks and stream, the interior fitted with detachable tray, an inkstone, brush and metal flower form mizuire, length 23.5cm (splits to side of cover), together with a pair of Japanese lacquer circular boxes and covers, Edo period, each decorated with gilt cranes, pine, bamboo and mon on a gilt speckled brown ground, height 9cm (one with cracks).