Desk set - Papier-mache, Glass
Starting bid
€ 1
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Expert
Selected by Marcel van Hulst
Over 35 years trading and collecting militaria with deep industry knowledge.
Estimate € 330 - € 400
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Description from the seller
An antique Japanese lacquer ware desk stand with the two original cut glass inkwells. Made in the Meiji period in a specialist lacquer workshop using traditional urushi lacquer and raden (mother‑of‑pearl and abalone) inlay techniques. The base would have been carved or built up from wood, then coated with multiple thin layers of purified urushi sap, each layer dried and polished to create a deep black, durable surface. Thin pieces of shell (abalone, pearl oyster, etc.) were cut to shape and either inlaid into shallow recesses or pressed into a still‑tacky lacquer ground—this technique is known as raden—then over‑lacquered and polished so the shell sits flush and iridescent. Finally, gold lacquer (maki‑e) scrolls and borders were brushed on giving the shimmering, polychrome effect seen around the edge and on the lift‑out compartment lid.
A stunning desk stand that is a beautiful decorative item as well as remaining functional.
In very good condition, one edge chip to one of the ink bottle rims.
The stand measures 30 x 22cm (11.81" x 8.66").
Seller's Story
Welcome to Beautiful Old England. We specialise in Antiquarian Books, Antique Surgical Instruments, art and collectibles from old England, for collectors all over the world. We have supplied customers in over 30 countries, nearly all with same day despatch.
An antique Japanese lacquer ware desk stand with the two original cut glass inkwells. Made in the Meiji period in a specialist lacquer workshop using traditional urushi lacquer and raden (mother‑of‑pearl and abalone) inlay techniques. The base would have been carved or built up from wood, then coated with multiple thin layers of purified urushi sap, each layer dried and polished to create a deep black, durable surface. Thin pieces of shell (abalone, pearl oyster, etc.) were cut to shape and either inlaid into shallow recesses or pressed into a still‑tacky lacquer ground—this technique is known as raden—then over‑lacquered and polished so the shell sits flush and iridescent. Finally, gold lacquer (maki‑e) scrolls and borders were brushed on giving the shimmering, polychrome effect seen around the edge and on the lift‑out compartment lid.
A stunning desk stand that is a beautiful decorative item as well as remaining functional.
In very good condition, one edge chip to one of the ink bottle rims.
The stand measures 30 x 22cm (11.81" x 8.66").
Seller's Story
Welcome to Beautiful Old England. We specialise in Antiquarian Books, Antique Surgical Instruments, art and collectibles from old England, for collectors all over the world. We have supplied customers in over 30 countries, nearly all with same day despatch.
Details
Era
1400-1900
Material
Glass, Papier-mache
Dynastic style/period
Meiji period (1868-1912)
Country of origin
Japan
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Estimated period
1850-1900
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