Meiji Era Cabinet in Cinnabar Red Lacquer, Japan

Details

Description

Precious cabinet in carved cinnabar red lacquer with two leaves and a drawer, revealing six small drawers.
The doors are … Read more Precious cabinet in carved cinnabar red lacquer with two leaves and a drawer, revealing six small drawers.
The doors are decorated with a porcelain plaque decorated with tits flying among flowers. Each bears a brand signature: “Kinkozan zo,” which means “made by Kinkozan.” The reverse side of these leaves is decorated with phoenixes flying among the clouds.
The interior drawer fronts are carved with floral designs (one pull handle missing).
The top is also carved with a pattern of pheasants and peonies.
Note a split at the joint between the two rear panels, due to the shrinkage of the wood.
Finely chiseled fittings, missing key.
Despite its small flaws, the finesse of the work done on the lacquer and the prestigious signature on the porcelain plates make it a remarkable and unusual cabinet.
Japan, late 19th century. See less