Antique Japanese Lacquer and Inlay Kang Table from Ryukyu Island

Description

A small low table with lacquer and intricate mother-of-pearl inlay design from Ryukyu Islands kingdom circa 17-18th century. Ryukyuan kingdom … more A small low table with lacquer and intricate mother-of-pearl inlay design from Ryukyu Islands kingdom circa 17-18th century. Ryukyuan kingdom was used to be an independent island country until it was officially annexed by Japan in 1879 during Meiji period and ultimately became Okinawa Prefecture. Its traditional lacquerware production and design was influenced by many surrounding cultures such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Southeast Asian and emerged as a distinct and style of its own. Gold paint on red lacquer background and extensive and fine workmanship of Raden shell inlays are two easily recognizable and iconic features of the Ryukyuan lacquerware.
The small rectangular table supported by apron and four short legs was traditionally used on bed or floor. Its origin was likely from the Chinese prototype of "Kang Table". The extensive inlay work on the top surface depicts a classic literary scene set on a stone terrace among the towering trees and undulating mounts and rocks in the garden. Two scholarly elders were opening and appreciating a scroll, attended by two young servants. This type of imagery became popular in China since Ming Dynasty. The apron and legs were also decorated with various inlay designs such as coin, scrolling vines and seeded grasses. The ball-shape legs were highlighted with red sidings, another character found in Ryukyuan lacquer table.
For reference on a similar table, see figure 94 in the Japanese version book "The Art of Ryukyuan Lacquerware" as shown in the last photo. less