Japanese Black Lacquer Kodansu Cabinet - Meiji Period Planters Originally mukhalingas were carved stone

Originally mukhalingas were carved stone lingam

Original pieces like this were not usually decorated on the sides and the better quality lacquer cabinets used elm wood

Tenryu River Ferry View (東海道五十三次　見附　天竜川図)

It has now got a beautiful patina from so many years of use

The chest has retained its original iron hardware

Japanese Black Lacquer Kodansu Cabinet - Meiji Period Planters Originally mukhalingas were carved stoneThis Japanese Meiji era (1868 1912) lacquered kodansu table cabinet and stand was made for export to The West at the height of Japonisme popularity at the beginning of the 20th century, ca 1900. This kodansu would be well suited as a jewellery cabinet and is decorated using the traditional maki e technique. It's decorated with a sparrow amongst flora and other floral detailing. It comprises two asymmetrical drawers over three small central drawers