No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VA… Read more

Please note that catalogue descriptions for lacquer do not include details of any minor scratches, chips and blemishes. In accordance with clause 14 of the Conditions of Sale, Buyers are therefore advised to examine the lots in person prior to bidding on the Lots. Condition Reports are available on request

A KODANSU [MINIATURE CABINET]

UNSIGNED, EDO PERIOD (19TH CENTURY)

Details

A KODANSU [MINIATURE CABINET]
Unsigned, Edo Period (19th Century)
Kinji ground, decoration in gold, silver and coloured takamaki-e and hiramaki-e, with gold nashiji and shell; edges nashiji; interior with red lacquer and gold, silver and coloured takamaki-e; interiors of drawers nashiji

The three small rectangular drawers enclosed by a right-hinged door; the interior of the door and faces of the drawers ornamented with precious emblems and attributes of the Shichifukujin [Seven Gods of Good fortune]; the exterior with five of the Nijushiko (Twenty-four paragons of filial piety]; silver fittings
3 1/8 x 2½ x 3½in. (8 x 6.4 x 8.9cm.)

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

On the top, Kakkyo (Chinese: Guoju) discovers a pot of gold while digging a grave for his infant son. On the door, Moso (Mengzong) finds a shoot of bamboo for his mother. On the sides, Yoko (Yangxiang) fends off a tiger (which had threatened his father) and Taishun (Taishun) is rewarded with an elephant after many tribulations. On the end panel is a comical figure performing a fan dance, Roraishi (Laolaizi), who at the age of seventy dressed as a child so that his parents would not realise they had grown old.1

1 V-F. Weber, Koji Hoten, Dictionnaire à l'Usage des Amateurs et Collectionneurs d'Objets d'Art Japonais et Chinois (Paris, 1923), vol. 2, 170-1 and 215-6.

More from Japanese Art & Design

View All