A JAPANESE GOLD LACQUER DOCUMENT BOX AND COVER

A JAPANESE GOLD LACQUER DOCUMENT BOX AND COVER, BUNKO

EDO 1615-1868

Decorated in relief with gold lacquer to the cover with a kago (sedan chair) amongst vines, with rocks in the distance, the interior with a mountain landscape, a bridge across the river, a water wheel and with buildings beyond, the water wheel containing a mercury waterfall enclosed in a cavity set into the cover, which tilts to provide the illusion of water and which turns the wheel, the background in gold nashiji, 22.5cm x 21cm. (2)

Cf. The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Lacquer Wares of the Qing Dynasty, p.115, no.81, where an example described as Chinese is illustrated.