A RITSUO STYLE CERAMIC-INLAID AND LACQUERED WOOD... Lot n° 2

A RITSUO STYLE CERAMIC-INLAID AND LACQUERED WOOD KODANSU (CABINET) WITH A LOTUS POND AND EGRETS Japan, 18th-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Of rectangular form with brown-lacquered borders, the black-lacquered ground finely decorated in iro-e takamaki-e with inlays of ceramic with a densely grown lotus pond, with leaves and petals blowing in the wind. The hinged frontal cover with functional lock mechanism and original key, opening to reveal seven similarly decorated drawers with chrysanthemum-form gilt fittings, the interior of the cover similarly decorated with two egrets standing in a river amid a willow and other trees, reeds, rockwork, and three birds flying in the distance. SIZE 28 x 38 x 23.3 cm Condition: Good condition with expected surface wear, small nicks, light scratches, minor chips, some inlays with minor cracks and small losses. Provenance: Dutch collection. Ogawa Haritsu (1663-1747) was among the first Japanese lacquer artists to establish an independent reputation outside of the hereditary craft dynasties of Kyoto, Edo, and Kanazawa. In lacquer, he introduced a vocabulary of new materials not usually associated with lacquer artists such as glazed ceramic pieces, mother-of-pearl, and lead. Haritsu also mastered the technique of making lacquer surfaces appear to resemble other materials such as bronze, tile, ink sticks, and pottery, a style of decoration which became known as Haritsu saiku.