Early Meiji Period Japanese Elm Shadona Cabinet

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Description

Late 19th century decorative keyaki (Japanese elm) cabinet.

This ornate, pagoda-inspired piece dates to the early/middle Meiji period in Japan … Read more Late 19th century decorative keyaki (Japanese elm) cabinet.

This ornate, pagoda-inspired piece dates to the early/middle Meiji period in Japan and is constructed of Japanese elm, a tree popularly used in the art of bonsai. It is larger than most cabinets of similar design and boasts more marquetry than would often be found on large pieces, as this was normally reserved for small puzzle boxes or table top cabinets.
The cabinet features multiple geometric styles of yosegi zaiku (parquet work) inlay including starbursts, checkerboard, zig-zags, and designs that almost appear isometric in nature. The exact types of wood used for these is unknown, but likely includes mulberry, spindle tree wood, Katsura, Camphor wood, or Japanese cucumber. In addition to shelving, this cabinet includes a multitude of small drawers and cabinets from top to bottom. See less