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Japanese Namban Lacquer and Inlay Coffer Momoyama Period

Origin

Japan

Period

Pre 18th Century

Materials

wood lacquer MOP

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;

Condition

Good. Very fine condition for a piece of such age, only minor losses and shrinkage of small parts on a few MOP inlay, possible small localized older restoration, more visible in three Nashji spots. Beautiful and even patina in general.

Creation Date

1573-1615

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.

Styles / Movements

Asian, Bespoke, Traditional

Incollect Reference Number

335211