Description

Antique Japanese Ryukyu Cha Tansu (display and storage chest for tea items). Lacquered black and inlaid with Mother of Pearl (Raden) in intricate and extraordinarily fine designs of noblemen and scholars in pavilion gardens. The upper portion has a compartment with four sliding panels. Below this are two open shelves inlaid with larger designs of birds on a blossoming dogwood branch. The lower portion has a large compartment with two large dowel-hinged doors on the left side and a rounded area on the right with curved sliding panels and two curved drawers. The top of the chest is inlaid with two oval reserves; one with calligraphy and one with blossoming Chrysanthemums. From the Ryukyu Islands (present day Okinawa) of Japan.

Age: Meiji/Taisho Period (early 20th century)

Dimensions: 49″ high x 48″ wide x 16 1/4″ deep