Object Description
The highly decorated tray in the form of a table frames a series of three stacking boxes, a further three lidded boxes and a tray concealed within, raised on ogee bracket feet.
This fine lacquer stacking cabinet of gold and black is a variation on a cabinet for incense. It contains small boxes within boxes to hold incense woods, and an outer tray in the form of a table with legs.
All of the original eleven components are present.
The opening up of Japan in the mid-1850s after more than two centuries of seclusion from the rest of the world triggered a huge interest in Japanese art and design. Western collectors, artists and designers particularly admired lacquer, for which they had no equivalent.
It is plausible that this item was purchased at the Paris Exhibition in 1867.