Asian Auction, Session 1

December 03, 2012

LOT 31

Lot 31

Magnificent Lacquer and Inlay Cabinet, 19th Century

Magnificent Lacquer and Inlay Cabinet, 19th Century
Lot 31 Details
Magnificent Lacquer and Inlay Cabinet, 19th Century

Finely lacquered in gold hiramaki-e and hirame and decorated with a garden scene including sparrows, peonies, chrysanthemum, and baskets of blooming flora along the hinged doors which open to reveal a splendid landscape rendered in gold takamaki-e and hiramaki-e against a roiro ground, the interior bearing five individual pull-out drawers with a larger compartment beneath, floral bursts, dragon and phoenix medallions worked in nashiji, fundame and hirame complete the remaining sides while a pair of phoenixes decorate the arched top
11.4" x 8.7" x 4.3" — 29 x 22 x 11 cm.

Estimate $10,000-$15,000

Realised: $14,400
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
Magnificent Lacquer and Inlay Cabinet, 19th Century
  • Magnificent Lacquer and Inlay Cabinet, 19th Century
  • Magnificent Lacquer and Inlay Cabinet, 19th Century
  • Magnificent Lacquer and Inlay Cabinet, 19th Century
Provenance:

Acquired by the owner’s grandfather while visiting Japan in the 1880’s, thence by descent within the family. The box moved to Ottawa from Muenster Germany in 1953.

Note:

Lacquer ware has a long and rich history in Japanese art. The works can be grouped into one of three distinct styles, which include the classic or aristocratic, neo-classical or town studio style, and Shibayama or inlay style. The Shibayama style drew inspiration from a variety of resources including early works of Japanese art from the Edo period as well as Chinese export furniture, both of which incorporated shell, ivory, and other materials in their work. As in the present example, the Shibayama style was highly ornamental and relied primarily on floral motifs, birds, and human figures for decoration. The combination of the meticulously rendered inlaid scenes against the brilliant metallic ground became increasingly popular throughout the Meiji period and works from this time are highly coveted.

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 31
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About Condition Ratings

  • 5 Stars: Excellent - No discernable damage, flaws or imperfections
  • 4 Stars: Very Good - Minor flaws or imperfections visible only under close inspection using specialised instruments or black light
  • 3 Stars: Good - Minor flaws visible upon inspection under standard lighting
  • 2 Stars: Fair - Exhibits flaws or damage that may draw the eye under standard lighting
  • 1 Star: Poor - Flaws or damage immediately apparent under standard lighting (examples: missing components, rips, broken glass, damaged surfaces, etc.)

Note: Condition ratings and condition details are the subjective opinions of our specialists and should be used as a guide only. Waddington’s uses due care when preparing condition details, however, our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. Condition details and reports are not warranties and each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the buyer’s terms and conditions of sale. In all cases the prospective purchaser is responsible for inspecting the property themselves prior to placing a bid.