An export lacquer cabinet for the Portuguese market | Momoyama period, late 16th century

Property from an Important Private European Collection

An export lacquer cabinet for the Portuguese market

Momoyama period, late 16^th century

the rectangular cabinet with a drop front, opening to reveal four drawers of two sizes, all decorated in gold and silver hiramaki-e and takamaki-e and inlaid in mother-of-pearl, the exterior with spring flowers and dense foliage to the front, the sides with morning glories (asagao), tachibana and chrysanthemums, the edges decorated with nanban tendril, the drawers with fruiting vines, the sides with elaborate European gilt handles, the corners with engraved fittings of cherry blossoms and nanako, the elaborate lock plate with further cherry blossom and gilt key

23 x 41 x 35 cm., 9 x 16⅛ x 13¾ in.