A RARE RYUKYUAN MOTHER-OF-PEARL-INLAID LACQUER... Lot n° 45

A RARE RYUKYUAN MOTHER-OF-PEARL-INLAID LACQUER BUNDAI (WRITING TABLE) Japan, 18th-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) The low table supported on four short legs with gilt-metal fittings chased with floral designs. The tabletop with two fudegaeshi (raised sections to left and right) decorated entirely in mother-of-pearl inlays depicting Mount Fuji looming amid clouds in the distance, a drum bridge spanning a pine and willow-clad shore in the foreground, all on a black-lacquer ground sprinkled with mother-of-pearl flakes; the narrow sides and outer sides of the legs embellished in dense shell inlay with foliate motifs and repeated hanabishi mon (flowery diamond crests). SIZE 58 x 34.8 x 10.8 cm Condition: Very good condition with typical wear and few losses to the mother-of-pearl inlays. Some manufacturing-inherent flaws such as light crackling and warping. In a remarkable state of preservation for this type. Auction comparison: Compare a related Ryukyuan shell-inlaid katana kake (sword stand), described as probably 18th century, at Bonhams, Samurai Swagger, 16 December 2022, London, lot 67 ( sold for GBP 7,650).