Antique Jewelry Chest Japanese Black Lacquer

About the Item

An utterly magnificent and impossibly rare antique jewelry chest from Japan has time-traveled over one hundred years (circa 1900-1920) and arrived relatively unscathed. Thickly painted with inky black lacquer -the dried dap of the Chinese Lacquer Tree- and embellished with scenic vistas, mountainscapes, objects, and design elements rendered in gleaning mother-of-pearl and gold gilt. Measuring 14" wide, 10.5" deep, and nearly 15" tall, the roomy cabinet closes with hand-forged iron hardware. Silk tassels or perhaps an ivory spindle would have passed through the two latch holes in the front to secure it. The latch stays closed without this extra element, but you could certainly find something lovely and slender to complete it. The lid opens, revealing a roomy tray, which itself lifts out to provide deeper storage beneath. Pearls or beaded jade necklaces fit perfectly on the top tray, while jewelry you keep in boxes would fit nicely below. Open the pair of grand doors and the dazzling artistry of this masterpiece is revealed. Ships on the bat, temples in the hills, flower blossoms, and a pair of vases create the most intoxicating and inviting environment. You are literally compelled to open each of the four drawers. The top drawer is just shy of 12" wide, 9 ¼" back to front and 1.5" thick. Think: jade bangles or rings. The two central drawers both measure 9 ¼ back to front, 5 ¼ wide, and 2 ¼" deep: perfect for watches or thicker bracelets. The final drawer measures as the first. All open with handmade brass pulls. This is a truly spacious and useful cabinet for jewelry or other treasures and the lacquer is in remarkably good condition, considering the distance this piece has traveled. There is a thin lacquer crack along the top but this matters not in the slightest because the overall quality and excellence of the piece far outshines imperfections rendered by the passing of time.

Weight:

11 LBS

Dimensions:

Height: 15 in (381 mm)Width: 14 in (355.6 mm)Depth: 10.5 in (266.7 mm)

Style:

Artisan

Period:

20th Century

Date of Manufacture:

circa 1900

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use. Thin lacquer crack on lid.