Japanese cabinet. Meiji period, ca.1880-1900.

Japanese cabinet. Meiji period, ca.1880-1900.
Cinnabar or red lacquer with relief decoration of chrysanthemums and peonies.
With metal inlay: circular copper medallions with engravings.
Signed.
Size: 51.5 x 48 x 32.5 cm.

This cabinet is a high-end piece from the Meiji period, an era when Japanese craftsmen took their traditional techniques to unprecedented levels of perfection, in part to meet the demands of Western markets at the great universal expositions.

The combination of the difficult technique of Tsuishu carved lacquer, the rich symbolism of its motifs and the inclusion of fine metal inlays make it an object of luxury and great artistic value.

The cabinet or tabletop cabinet (kodansu) has a compact rectangular form, which sits on a finely carved plinth. The front of the cabinet is symmetrically arranged and consists of two central hinged doors that conceal an interior with six drawers. The six drawers are lacquered and the inside of the doors boast beautiful vegetal compositions of golden-toned flowering branches and songbirds. The middle section houses a register of two small drawers, arranged side by side. And a long drawer spans the entire width of the cabinet in the lower register.

The most outstanding feature is the surface treatment, made in the technique known as red lacquer or cinnabar lacquer (in Japanese, Tsuishu). This technique consists of applying dozens, or even hundreds, of layers of lacquer colored with cinnabar (mercury sulfide) on a wooden core. Once the lacquer has reached a considerable thickness, the craftsman carves it in deep relief (ch?koku), creating a three-dimensional design of extraordinary precision.

The entire visible surface of the cabinet (front, sides and top) is densely covered with a lush floral composition. The design focuses on chrysanthemums and peonies, intertwined with dense foliage and organically curving stems. The level of detail in the petals and leaves is testament to the artistry of the artist.

In Japanese culture, the chrysanthemum is a powerful symbol of longevity, endurance and rejuvenation. It is also associated with the imperial house of Japan. The peony is considered the "queen of flowers" and symbolizes prosperity, good fortune, honor and wealth.

The intense red color of the lacquer contrasts vividly with the metal applications: several circular copper medallions are inlaid in the doors and sides. These medallions are finely engraved with different motifs, basically naturalistic scenes, serving as focal points in the composition.

The hardware is understated but elegant. They include a central lock plate on the doors, small button-shaped pulls on the upper drawers, and a more elaborate handle pull with decorative plates on the lower drawer.