Edo period (1615-1868), 19th century Rectangular with rounded edges and set on a low rectangular foot decorated with inlaid mother-of-pearl on a black-lacquer ground, the cover with a central panel containing a temple pavilion in a landscape, the surounding areas with chrysanthemums and vines against a ground of floral lozenges, the red-lacquer interior fitted with an inkstone and a silvered water dropper, the gilt-metal top pierced with chrysanthemums and leaves 10 5/8 x 7 x 2 3/4in (26.9 x 17.7 x 6.9cm)