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 chest with a drop front, opening to reveal eight variously sized drawers, decorated in gold hiramaki-e and inlaid in mother-of-pearl on a black ground, the drawers depicting various flowers and foliage include chrysanthemums, omodaka and cherry blossom, the exterior of the drop front depicting deer among paulownia, the sides and reverse with panels of vines and chrysanthemums, all with a raised edge decorated with nanban tendril, engraved copper-gilt fittings and drop handles

26.5 x 36 x 27.5 cm., 10⅜ x 14⅛ x 10⅞ in.