Rare Okinawan Lacquerware Picnic Box
Late 18th century
Of rectangular shape, comprising a cover and a shallow upper tray above
three deeper stacked trays, held on a base tray with two side posts with
pandrels, joined at the top with a handle. The cover displays two facing
phoenixes in flight. There is a small silver lock post on the threading
pin. Fine inlaid mother-of-pearl depicts four seasons of fruiting trees.
Gold lacquer is used throughout, as shown, as well as inside the trays
and on the base.
MEASUREMENTS:
Height 11 in
Length 13 in
Width 7.5 in
CONDITION:
Overall condition is fine with some light wear to the base.
(Click images for larger views.)
- Price available on request. -
SERIOUS ENQUIRIES ONLY PLEASE.
Records indicate the Chinese Ming emperor Senso sent envoys to Ryukyus in Okinawa to buy raw lacquer in 1426. During the 16th century, persons of the imperial court in Japan used vermilion lacqureware from Okinawa for household use. Later on, the Okinawan government put effort into the production of lacquerware products for use as presents and trade items for the Chinese emperor and as tribute to the Shogun and the various feudal lords in Japan. The picnic box shown here exhibits a fine mixture of Chinese design and fine Okinawan lacquer work. In Japan lacquerware had a strict Japanese design motif, but Okinawa had a long history with Chinese influence as seen here.
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