An Exceptional Japanese Carved Wood and Shibayama Cabinet

Meiji period (1868-1912), crafted from hardwood intricately carved with flora, phoenixes, and dragons then applied with black and red lacquer finish, further embellished with sections of gold lacquer finished with shibayama inlay, the all over asymmetrical arrangement of open display tiers, sliding panel doors, hinged doors, and two frieze drawers on the lower section are all set above an intricately carved base with curved scrolled feet.

72 x 44 1/2 x 17 1/2 in.

The highlight of the cabinet is the superb shibayama inlay work, a technique where various natural materials are carved and applied in high relief to a lacquer surface. The inlaid panels are decorated in mother-of-pearl, bone, and coral with vibrant seasonal scenes of Japanese flora and fauna.

Overall good estate condition; wear consistent with age and use; minor surface scratches; chips and losses to edges of cabinet and to inlay on all panels; some repairs to inlay; loose wood section to lower left side of cabinet; a later knob to one door.