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Large Namban lacquer chest, Japan, late 16th century

Furniture

17th century

Large Namban lacquer chest, Japan, late 16th century

1

Furniture du 17th century

Large Namban lacquer chest, Japan, late 16th century

Exceptional Object

DIMENSIONS : l. 51.97 .inH. 25.98 .inP. 21.65 .in

MATERIAUX : Japanese lacquer , mother of pearl

PROVENANCE : Japan

PRICE : Contact us

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A rare chest decorated on all sides with Japanese *Namban*-style lacquer.
Rectangular lacquered wood chest featuring a domed lid.
The front panel and lid feature a design with three decorative reserves; the backgrounds of these reserves are lined with fish skin (specifically from the *Scyliorhinidae* family of dogfish sharks), known in France as *galuchat* (shagreen).
Each reserve centers on a lozenge shape formed by strips of mother-of-pearl inlaid into the lacquer.
This highly luminous mother-of-pearl comes from *Haliotis discus* shells and offers a wide color palette with white, pink, and subtle blue iridescence.
The lozenges display rich ornamentation featuring phoenixes and flowers, executed using gold powder (*maki-e*), copper powder (*nashiji*), or mother-of-pearl inlay against a black background.
The back and sides repeat the same *galuchat*-backed reserve motif.
Each reserve is bordered by wide bands featuring geometric patterns, with mother-of-pearl inlays framed by fine gold lines.

The underside of the lid depicts a phoenix in flight and a vine branch (kudzu), rendered in gold and copper powder against a black background.

The interior of the chest is entirely finished in black lacquer.

Rich gilt-copper fittings—finely engraved with birds and scrolling foliage—comprising two large locks with hasps, four hinges, fourteen corner mounts, and two side carrying handles.

Excellent state of preservation, with minor restorations consistent with age and use.

Japanese craftsmanship from the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573–1603), created for export to Europe via Portuguese merchants.

Dimensions:

Width: 132 cm; Height: 66 cm; Depth: 55 cm

Related examples:

- Louvre Abu Dhabi (Inv. No. LAD 2015.019)
- Tokyo National Museum
- Musée des Arts Asiatiques Guimet, Paris (Inv. No. MA5154)
- Victoria and Albert Museum, inventory number FE-33-1983
- Gripsholm Castle, Mariefred, Sweden
- Peabody Essex Museum, Salem (Inv. No. AE85687), from the Christie’s London sale of June 16, 1999, lot 135

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