Writing box with sarasa pattern c. 1910 - 1925

Inai Guokuho's writing box with sarasa pattern is undated and made with lacquer and mother-of-pearl inlay. This box is a testament to how art can transform functional objects into realms of pattern and color. The colors are so subdued, so earthy: warm golds, browns, and muted blues create a harmony that feels both delicate and strong. Notice how the artist uses the mother-of-pearl inlay to catch the light, adding a subtle shimmer to the surface. It's as if the box is whispering secrets of the natural world. Look closely and you can see how each element fits together, a testament to the beauty of process. There’s an echo of William Morris in the way the floral patterns are arranged, a nod to the Arts and Crafts movement's emphasis on handmade beauty. But where Morris is bold, Guokuho is subtle. It makes you think about how art is a never-ending conversation, each artist adding their voice to the chorus. Ultimately, this box invites us to see beauty in the everyday and to appreciate the skill and vision that transforms the ordinary into something extraordinary.