A mother-of-pearl inlaid and lacquered incense stand - Ryukyu Islands, 17th/18th Century

Its rectangular top and lozenge-centered stretcher panel inlaid with scholars walking amid landscape scenes, framed by leaf scrolls and geometric diaper bands that repeat around the waist, the curving apron finished with open work and a scalloped edge and the gracefully scrolled legs, the inlay of well-matched iridescent blue color set within the black lacquer ground (minor losses, age cracks, repairs). Length 18in (46cm) - Estimate: $3,000 - 5,000  

Bonhams. Fine Asian Works of Art, 20 Nov 2006. 220 San Bruno Ave., San Francisco