Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 21

Japanese Namban Lacquer and Inlay Coffer Momoyama Period

About the Item

A rare Japanese Namban Lacquer domed coffer circa 1570-1610s of Azuchi-Momoyama to early Edo period. These types of lacquerware were made for export to European Market and their production only lasted between 1573-1615 due to the historical Japanese foreign policy when the export was closed off in the beginning of the Edo period. This is a fantastic piece in superb condition, of typical domed shape and accessorized with copper hardware. The surface was demarcated with geometrical diamond border, an archetypal requirement for the western market. Within the border, it was opulently decorated in Maki-e and raden inlays with a more Japanese style design that includes various birds such as rooster, goose and peacock, among large flowering branches of peonies, prunus and vines with foliage. These decoration in gold and MOP was strikingly set against a black roiro ground. The original copper hardware on the corner and front forms an integral part of the design and blends beautifully with the lacquer design. The interior surface of the coffer was covered in nashiji maki-e. Some spotted restoration is visible. The blue lash appears to be a later replacement. Similar Namban coffers can be found in the collection of museum with large Japanese holding such as Ashmolean Museum in Oxford University, Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 14.75 in (37.47 cm)Width: 26.8 in (68.08 cm)Depth: 12.7 in (32.26 cm)
  • Style:
    Japonisme (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1573-1615
  • Condition:
    Repaired: possible old restorations to stabilize some cracks on the lacquer surface. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. A surface crackle on the dome toward the back, minor losses and shrinkage on a few MOP inlay, possible older restorations, more visible in three Nashiji interior spots. Beautiful and even patina in general.
  • Seller Location:
    Atlanta, GA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU945017039481

More From This Seller

View All
Japanese Lacquer Tray with Maki-e and Inlay Hara Yoyusai Edo Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
A lovely Japanese lacquer rectangular lacquer tray with a slightly scalloped corner and four L shape supporting feet by one of the most celebrated lacquer artist active in Edo period Hara Yoyusai (1772-1845). Yoyusai lived in Edo (Tokyo) and worked under the patronage of Lord Matsudaira. He operated a large workshop and had a very prolific output of lacquer objects. Most survived pieces being inro...
Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Japonisme Lacquer

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Fine Japanese Hibachi Lacquer with Inlays Meiji Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
A fine Japanese wood Hibachi with copper insert circa 1900-30s end of Meiji to Taisho Period. It can be used as a unique planter or to showcase a...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Lacquer

Materials

Copper

Antique Japanese Lacquer and Inlay Box from Ryukyu Island
Located in Atlanta, GA
A lacquer presentation box with mother-of-pearl inlays from Japanese Ryukyu Islands circa 17-18th century. The lidded box in rectangular form with rounded corner is a classic example...
Category

Antique 18th Century Japanese Japonisme Lacquer

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Lacquer

Fine Japanese Lacquered Inro with Inlays by Kajikawa
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Japanese four-case lacquer inro by a member of Kajikawa family circa 19th century (late Edo to early Meiji period). It depicts a nocturnal scenery of a meandering stream surrounded by bush clovers, where a full moon is reflected on the water. It was masterfully decorated in gold and silver maki-e using a combination of techniques including takamakie, togidashi and kirigane as well as aogai (abalone shell) inlays. The stream was set between the slightly elevated banks, adding to this piece a already strong three-dimensional composition. The interior was decorated in gold nashiji. It was signed on the bottom "Kajikawa Zou" (made by Kajikawa and a pot seal centered with "Ei" in Kanji. In one of the compartment, there is a katakana mark, appears to be a name, possibly the owner. Kajikawa clan was one of the most famous lacquer artisanal family established in the 17th century. Many well known members over the generations produced lacquer art in a wide range of formats, but two third were signed only with the family name such as this one. It is therefore not possible to pinpoint the exact author of this piece. Provenance: This inro was purchased as lot 349 in Christie's New York sale Japanese...
Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Japonisme Lacquer

Materials

Shell, Wood, Lacquer

Unusual Japanese Lacquer Inkstone Box with MOP Inlays
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Japanese black lacquer box with mother of pearl inlays circa early 20th century, end of Meiji period. It was likely to be used to store inkstone or other scholarly items. The piece displays several interesting characteristics that appear puzzling initially. First, the form is not typical Japanese, but more Chinese and Korean, with its scalloped base. Second, the decoration of MOP inlays also suggests a Korean and Chinese affiliation, especially with the linear borders and the scrolling cloud patters on the sides of the box. These two observations suggest that the box may be from Ryukyu Island instead of Japanese mainland. Third, strikingly in the center of the cover, a bold quarterly floral pattern outlined with MOP was filled with a striking mottled red lacquer using tsugaru nuri...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Lacquer

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Japanese Rinpa Style Lacquer Box Meiji Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
A black lacquer tebako (hand box) with maki-e decoration and silver trim, circa late 19th century, Meiji period. The surface of the lid features a Rinpa style maki-e paint depicting ...
Category

Antique 1890s Japanese Japonisme Lacquer

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

You May Also Like

Large 20th C. Chinese 6 Panel Lacquered Hardstone and Jade Coromandel Screen
Located in New York, NY
A large 20th century Chinese six panel Lacquered Hardstone and Jade Coromandel screen. This screen features intricately carved hardstone, soapstone, jade, lapis, quartz, and other ha...
Category

20th Century Chinese Qing Lacquer

Materials

Soapstone, Lapis Lazuli, Jade, Stone

Japanese Lacquer Smoking Box, Tabako Bon, Edo Period, 19th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A very fine Japanese maki-e lacquer decorated tabako bon, or smoking box, late Edo Period, mid-19th century, Japan. The elegant smoking box of black lacquer decorated with a wonderful gold lacquer takamaki-e design of a gnarled and elegantly twisted plum tree with branches in full bloom. A border of golden cranes in flight to the top. The smoking box, called a tabako bon, is comprised of an open section at the top with inset with two cylindrical metal canisters...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Edo Lacquer

Materials

Lacquer

Large Chinese 4-Fold Hardwood Screen inset with Blue & White Porcelain Plaques
Located in New York, NY
A large Chinese four-fold hardwood screen inset with blue and white porcelain plaques. The hand carved wood frame is a very dense and n...
Category

Antique Early 1900s Chinese Qing Lacquer

Materials

Porcelain, Hardwood

Fine Japanese Lacquer Takamakura Geisha Pillow, First Half of the 20th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A fine Japanese lacquer Takamakura Geisha pillow, first half of the 20th century. Depicting Shi-Shi Lion between peony and rock in gold, silver, red and ...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Japonisme Lacquer

Materials

Abalone, Lacquer

Japanese Decorated Lacquer and Painted Folding Screen
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Japanese Decorated Lacquer and Painted Folding Screen This impressive screen has four superbly decorated panels with a montage of Geisha, Japanese Garden and Animals all made from ...
Category

Vintage 1930s Japonisme Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Lacquer

French 19th Century Large Inlay Coffer
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A large French solid oak paneled coffer. The front side has geometric inlay designs of ebonized wood, satinwood and hand forged nailheads over a playful scalloped apron. The hinged t...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Other Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Steel

Recently Viewed

View All