A Japanese lacquer domed coffer

MOMOYAMA PERIOD (LATE 16TH CENTURY)

Details

A Japanese lacquer domed coffer
Momoyama period (Late 16th Century)
Of rectangular shape with a domed cover, decorated in gold hiramakie on a roironuri ground and inlaid in aogai, the front with two hares seated in a landscape with tachibana and cherry-trees, the lid with two birds below branches of flowering chrysanthemum and morning glory, both surrounded by a band of shell- and a geometric-pattern, the sides and back with exotic flowers within geometrical borders, the interior of the lid with scrolling foliage, engraved copper kanagu (restored, some old wear, rubbing)
32cm. high x 47.3cm. wide x 23.8cm. deep

Lot Essay

Christianity, brought to Japan by the Dutch and Portuguese traders, knew only a brief flowering in late sixteenth Century Japan before it was banned by Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1614. This coffer employs the complex scheme of decoration in gold lacquer on a black ground with shell inlay incorporating plants and rockwork, which is also found in folding missal stands, shrines and other secular cabinets with drawers remaining from that period.

See illustration

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