A Japanese gold lacquer kobako and cover, Meiji period, of square form, the lid finely worked with a scribe with raised pen in readiness to commence his work, a young woman holding the slate with another man with drying brush and three onlookers, all dressed in elaborate gowns, the gold lacquer base with speckled interior and underside, with accompanying box, 10.5 cm long, 9.5 cm wide