A George I Lacquered Chest

A chest of archetypal form and confident proportion, raised on bracket feet. The detailed decoration features figures in silk robes, trees and the sleek forms of flying birds, picked out from the dry, sleepy Urushi 漆 lacquer exquisitely. The chest wears its age handsomely, the ‘Taka-age’ 高上げ high relief work a bold and beautiful contrast to the crisp gold and black ground. The softly patinated escutcheon and handle backplates, incised with floral decoration are original, and sit comfortably within the scheme.

Dating from the second quarter of the 18th century, corresponding with the Mid-Edo period.

Height: 94 cm / 37″
Width: 130 cm / 51″
Depth: 64 cm / 25 3/4″