A PAIR OF JAPANESE EXPORT HIGASHIYAMA PERIOD LACQUER CABINETS

The decoration on these pictorial black lacquer cabinets is of exceptional quality. They retain the original gilt metal mounts, and are also decorated on the reverse side, which is highly unusual for cabinets of this period.
Each cabinet is fitted with two long, four short and two square drawers, the latter with locks and extra mounts.
A pair of Japanese lacquer cabinets of this period is in the collection of The Duke of Buccleuch and Queensbury at Boughton, Northamptonshire. One cabinet of this pair is illustrated in English Homes, Period III, vol. II.

Literature: H. Avray Tipping, English Homes, Period III, vol. II, ' Late Tudor and early Stuart, 1558-1649, London 1927, p. 53.
R. W. Symonds, ' The English japan cabinet', Country Life, 14 June 1965, pp. 1280-82.
Oliver Impey, Japanese Export Lacquer 1580-1850, London 2005, pp. 129-135, 9.3, 'Cabinet decorated in Pictorial Style'.