A beautiful lacquered wooden two-tiered writing table 文台 (bundai), lavishly decorated with aogai inlay 青貝 (mother-of-pearl). The top surface displays a lively garden scene with a Chinese-style pavilion. A family gathers in the garden: a woman plays the biwa 琵琶 (lute), while her husband listens. Children tend to a plant or warm sake, while two more figures arrive. Set near the water’s edge, the scene continues into the distance where a figure approaches by boat, against a backdrop of mountains and swirling clouds. The composition is enclosed within a cartouche surrounded by an asanoha 麻の葉 (hemp-leaf) pattern. The underside is equally refined, decorated with a fruit-bearing tree with small songbirds perched among the branches. The sides of the table are embellished with a delicate diaper pattern, while the side panels have an open design of a diamond-shaped flower surrounded by inlaid floral motifs. All raden 螺鈿 (mother-of-pearl) inlays shimmer with iridescent hues of blue, pink, and white, contrasting beautifully against the glossy black lacquer ground. Period: Japan – Early Meiji period (Second half 19th century) Dimensions: Height 23.7 cm; Width 54.5 cm; Depth 33.2 cm Considering its age, the table is in a very good condition with some light traces of use on the surface and a few small losses to the raden inlay. Please refer to the photos for a clear condition reference. When shipped, we will include a certificate of authenticity.