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Japanese Namban Lacquer and Inlay Coffer Momoyama Period

Offered by: Tishu

Description
A rare Japanese Namban Lacquer domed coffer circa 1570-1610s of Azuchi-Momoyama to early Edo period. These types of lacquerware were made for export to European Market and their production only lasted between 1573-1615 due to the historical Japanese foreign policy when the export was closed off in the beginning of the Edo period.
This is a fantastic piece in superb condition, of typical domed shape and accessorized with copper hardware. The surface was demarcated with geometrical diamond border, an archetypal requirement for the western market. Within the border, it was opulently decorated in Maki-e and raden (mother of pearl) inlays with a more Japanese style design that includes various birds such as rooster, goose and peacock, among large flowering branches of peonies, prunus and vines with foliage. These decoration in gold and MOP was strikingly set against a black roiro ground. The original copper hardware on the corner and front forms an integral part of the design and blends beautifully with the lacquer design. The interior surface of the coffer was covered in nashiji maki-e. Some spotted restoration is visible. The blue lash appears to be a later replacement.
Similar Namban coffers can be found in the collection of museum with large Japanese holding such as Ashmolean Museum in Oxford University, Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA.
Condition: Likely old restorations to stabilize some cracks on the lacquer surface. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. A surface crackle on the dome toward the back, minor losses and shrinkage on a few MOP inlay, possible older restorations, more visible in three Nashiji interior spots. Beautiful and even patina in general.

More Information

Origin:	Japan
Period:	Pre 18th Century
Materials:	wood lacquer MOP
Condition:	Good. See description
Creation Date:	1573-1615
Styles / Movements:	Bespoke, Asian, Traditional
Incollect Reference #:	335211

Dimensions

W.	26.8 in;	H.	14.75 in;	D.	12.7 in;
W.	68.07 cm;	H.	37.47 cm;	D.	32.26 cm;

Message from Seller:

Our collection ranges from Neolithic Art to 20th century collectible art and design. It spans 5000 thousand years of history and crosses many civilizations and cultures. Our aesthetic strongholds are Mid-century studio design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian Textile Art and Contemporary Aboriginal Art. The diversity is united behind our singular vision to seek for timeless beauty and driven purely by our passion