Cabinet In Lacquer And Mother-of-pearl. Namban Japan Momoyama Early Edo. 17th Century.

Small cabinet in black lacquered wood decorated with plants and birds in gold metallic powder, mother-of-pearl details. The hinges and keyholes are cut copper, chiseled and gilded with mercury. Wear has made the gold on the front frames disappear, but the brass on the sides still have a beautiful gilding under the dirt and oxidation. The drawer sockets are in cast bronze and also have their gilding. The lacquer is 400 years old...it is cracked, cracked, discolored and dirty like on all cabinets from this period that have never been reprocessed. The one I present to you here has never been restored. The flared part of the bottom was added as can be seen on all cabinets of this shape and size. The drawers are in good condition and slide very well. The locks seem original, but not the key. 46x38x30cm. The photos are all taken in natural light. Japan made for export in the late Momoyama and early Edo period. Beginning of the 17th century.