Jewelry cabinet; Japan, Meiji period, c. 1890.

Jewelry cabinet; Japan, Meiji period, c. 1890.
Lacquered wood with brass handles, hardware and locks.
Ceramic and wood pedestal of later period.
Measurements: 40 x 36 x 19 cm; 8 x 46 x 30 cm (stand).
Japanese jewelry cabinet from the Meiji period (ca. 1890), an example of the technical and aesthetic refinement achieved by Japanese cabinetmaking and lacquer during the period. Made of lacquered wood, it presents a carefully worked surface in reddish and black tones, decorated with geometric motifs and naturalistic scenes in relief, where birds stand out among pine branches and flowers, executed with great detail and visual depth.
The brass fittings, hinges, handles and locks not only fulfill a structural function, but also add an ornamental element of clear artisan inspiration, highlighting the contrast between the metallic shine and the warmth of the lacquer. The front composition is organized symmetrically in doors with decorative panels, while the lower part houses a drawer, all framed by a design of sober elegance.
The whole is supported by a ceramic and wood pedestal, added at a later date, which gives a sculptural air to the piece, elevating it as an artistic rather than utilitarian object. This piece embodies the taste of Meiji Japan for the combination of traditional craftsmanship and decorative sophistication, reflecting the dialogue between ancestral techniques and the influence of the modern aesthetic values of the turn of the century.