Lot 8. A Lacquer Casket Commissioned by the Portuguese, Momoyama period, late 16th century. © Christie's Image Ltd 2017

The rectangular casket with domed hinged cover, decorated in gold hiramaki-e and inlaid in mother-of-pearl and bordered with chequered bands, the cover and the front with two lozenge-shaped panels containing a pavilion amongst a maple tree and kikyo [Chinese bellflowers] and a hawk amongst tachibana on a shippo-hanabishi ground, the sides with further tachibana and a cherry blossom tree, the back with morning glory, copper gilt fittings engraved with stylised flowers - 46.3 x 29 x 24.5cm. Estimate GBP 10,000 - 12,000

Notes: For an example of a cabinet with similar decoration see Fundação Oriente, Encomendas Namban: Os Portugueses no Japão da Idade Moderna (Lisbon, 2010), p. 115 - 117, cat. no. 27.

For more information on lacquer caskets commissioned by Europeans, visit the British Museum website: http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/asia/t/travelling_chest_kamaboko-bak.aspx

Christie's on line. JAPANESE ART AT THE ENGLISH COURT