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Japanese Marquetry Shadona Etagere Cabinet, Meiji Period, Japan

About the Item

A spectacular Japanese yosegi zaiku marquetry etagere display cabinet, shadona, Meiji Period, circa 1880, Japan. The display cabinet, called a shadona, of diminutive stature, and was probably meant to sit on a table or raised platform. The shadona is raised upon bracket feet, and designed with two open display shelves of varying heights, two sections closed with sliding doors, one section with a locking door (lock working and key present), three small graduated drawers, and one large drawer. The shadona decorated in the yosegi zaiku technique, a marquetry technique using contrasting woods to create wonderful and intricate geometric patterns. In this case, the marquetry is especially dense and fine, featuring several types of contrasting woods, with the worked areas especially large. Each pattern is steeped in tradition and meaning. The top and sides decorated with a mesmerizing pattern of overlapping circles, known as shippo, representing harmony and peace. The back of the cabinet decorated with a checkered basketweave design set on a diagonal. The checkered design is known as ichimatsu, after the famous actor Ichimatsu Sadogawa who often wore this pattern, and is considered a symbol of prosperity. The drawers, sliding doors, and locked door decorated with a stylized hemp leaf within a hexagon, a pattern known as asanoha, symbolizing growth, strength, and resilience. The shadona also features geometric borders. One border used is the key fret border, known as raimon, representing rolling thunder. Another border used is the syagata, consisting of interlocking manji symbols, symbolizing longevity and eternity. The shelves feature scattered, more open designs, contrasting nicely with the intricate geometry of the rest of the shadona. While we have had several pieces of Japanese yosegi marquetry furniture and objects in the past, this is by far the most intricate and densely decorated one we have ever come across. A true masterpiece of design and workmanship.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 40 in (101.6 cm)Width: 30 in (76.2 cm)Depth: 14.75 in (37.47 cm)
  • Style:
    Meiji (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1880
  • Condition:
    Repaired: The locking door showing some replacement marquetry. One sliding door with evidence of repair. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor structural damages. Minor fading. The cabinet displays beautifully. The sliding doors and large drawer sometime stick a little. The top with some scratches and gouges.
  • Seller Location:
    Austin, TX
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU894733595242
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