Japanese Black Lacquer Kodansu Cabinet - Meiji Period Planters Original pieces like this were

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

Originally mukhalingas were carved stone lingam

a subtle yet technically demanding detail designed to prevent water from spilling when displaying plants or vases

Rendered in bold ochre

Each block was used in the centuries-old art of block printing

Japanese Black Lacquer Kodansu Cabinet - Meiji Period Planters Original pieces like this wereThis 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