Property from the Paul and Helen Anbinder Collection A LACQUER WRITING BOXMeiji era (1868-1912), late 19th century Rectangular with rounded edges decorated in iro-e takamaki-e with inlays of shell and lacquer against a roiro-nuri ground with an elephant and a hoe, the underside of the cover decorated with a Chinese-style campaign curtain strung on a halberd, and a circular fan, the interior fitted with a removable tray, a rectangular inkstone and a circular brass suiteki (water dropper), the edges fundame With a wood tomobako storage box 10 x 9 x 1 1/2in (25.4 x 22.8 x 3.8cm) Thebination of an elephant and hoe refers to the story of Tai Shun, one of the 24 Paragons of Filial Piety. Born into a poor family, Tai Shun was a devoted and hard-working son despite the cruelty he suffered at the hands of his parents. Sent each day to the Li Mountains to cultivate the land without any assistance, he dutifully performed the almost impossible task. Due to his continued dedication and devotion to his parents, he was rewarded with an elephant sent from heaven to help him plough the fields.