Antique Japanese Lacquer and Inlay Table from Ryukyu Islands

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A small square-form table with lacquer and intricate mother-of-pearl inlay design from Ryukyu Islands kingdom circa 17-18th century. Ryukyuan kingdom … Read more A small square-form table with lacquer and intricate mother-of-pearl inlay design from Ryukyu Islands kingdom circa 17-18th century. Ryukyuan kingdom was used to be an independent island country until it was officially annexed by Japan in 1879 during Meiji period and ultimately became Okinawa Prefecture. Its traditional lacquerware production and design was influenced by many surrounding cultures such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Southeast Asian and emerged as a distinct and style of its own. Gold paint on red lacquer background and extensive and fine workmanship of Raden shell inlays are two easily recognizable and iconic features of the Ryukyuan lacquerware.
The table, with its slightly raised edges on top, supporting apron, curvy cabrioles legs with red fins and connecting stretchers on the base, is a classic design often found on Ryukyu Islands. Its origin was likely from the Chinese prototype of "Incense Burner Table". The extensive inlay work on the top surface depicts a classic literary scene where two scholars greeting each other in the front yard of a dwelling. The setting is bucolic with pines and flowering trees on the background and the rustic gate, fences and abode suggest humbleness and hermitage. This type of imagery became popular in China since Ming Dynasty. The apron, legs and stretcher bars were all decorated with various inlay designs such as floral and turtleback patterns, weeping willow branches, scrolling vines and grasses.
For reference on a similar table, see figure 130 in the Japanese version book "The Art of Ryukyuan Lacquerware" as shown in the last photo. See less