Japanese Meiji Gilt Lacquer Writing Desk & Poem Box - A Pair

Description

With intricate construction and exquisite decoration, this fine tabletop writing set is a masterpiece of Japanese lacquerware. The matching set … more With intricate construction and exquisite decoration, this fine tabletop writing set is a masterpiece of Japanese lacquerware. The matching set includes a writing table (bundai) and poem box (tanzaku bako), both decorated with gilt lacquer in the style of takamaki-e and hiramaki-e urushi lacquer.

Framed by everted ends, the lacquered table top is masterfully worked, depicting a robed man seated on a veranda within an idyllic mountain-and-water landscape. Swirling clouds drift overhead and pine trees bend towards the sky, formed of raised lacquer (takamaki-e) and mother of pearl inlay (raden). Dark lacquer at the corners imitate metal hardware and the sculptural corner legs are decorated with raised motifs of maple leaves.

The writing table includes a matching poem box (tanzaku bako), used for storing paper cards of painted calligraphy and poetry. The lid is similarly decorated in shimmering gilt lacquer with a raised design of a fine carriage beneath a pine tree, draped in cloths and shaded by bamboo blinds. The pair possibly depicts scenes from The Tale of Genji, classic Japanese novel written in the early 11th century by the noblewoman, poet, and lady-in-waiting Murasaki Shikibu around the peak of the Heian period.

The underside of the lid is decorated with blossoming branches of mother-of-pearl inlay and a maker's mark attributing the work to the style of master illustrator Ogata Kōrin (1658-1716). The interior of the box and underside of the table are both cloaked in black lacquer sprinkled with flecks of gold for a mesmerizing finish that recalls the night sky.

Each item includes a paulownia (kiri) wood storage case.

Additional Dimensions:
Writing Desk: 25"W x 14.25"D x 5.25"H
Poem Box: 3.75"W x 16"D x 2.25"H
Writing Desk Case: 26.5"W x 15.5"D x 6.75"H
Poem Box Case: 5"W x 17.25"D x 3.5"H less