Antique Japanese Black Lacquer Tray With Mother of Pearl Inlaid Quails and Millet Decoration. Edo Period


Rare Japanese rectangular black lacquer tray with mother-of-pearl inlay decoration featuring quails and millet. This motif was very popular in China during the Southern Song dynasty and numerous works of art with this pattern brought to Japan later inspired various Japanese artists. Combination of quails and standing grain is a visual rebus that can be interpreted as ‘peace and harmony’. Central scene is framed by an intricate cavetto with edges further defined by twisted wire. In very good condition with surface marks and minor losses consistent with age and usage. Dimensions: 21×21 cm Origin: Japan, probably Ryukyu Islands Date of production: Edo period, c. 18th century Material: mother-of-pearl inlaid black lacquer


Size: 3704px × 2963px
Photo credit: © Oriental Antiques UK - Asian Art Dealer and Appraiser / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No

Keywords: 18th, antique, antiques, black, century, chinese, edo, era, inlay, islands, japanese, lacquer, lacquered, lacquerware, millet, mother, pearl, period, quails, raden, rebus, ryukyu, ryukyuan, style, symbolism, tray, visual, 琉球漆器