Important Antique Japanese Lacquered Wood & Gilt Bronze Sutra Table (Kyozukue) / Buddhist Altar - Japan - Taishō period (1912-1926)

An exceptional and highly decorative antique Japanese Buddhist altar table, traditionally known as a Kyozukue (sutra desk) or Maegusoku table. This substantial piece features a beautiful combination of black and deep reddish-brown lacquer (Urushi), lavish openwork gilt-wood carvings, and extensive hand-engraved bronze mountings (Kanagu).

Design & Symbolism:
The table boasts elegant upturned ends (known as Hire) protected by beautifully aged, hand-etched bronze corner plates displaying floral scrolls. Below the top section, the front panel features a deeply carved openwork frieze coated in gold leaf, depicting scrolling lotus leaves and flowers.
Most notably, the altar is adorned with circular golden medallions featuring a fine engraving of a Phoenix (Hō-ō), a sacred symbol of transformation and high status in Japanese Buddhist iconography. The reverse side remains minimally finished with a solid gold-leaf panel, indicating it was intended to face an altar wall or a statue. The whole structure rests on robust, beautifully curved fude-gaeshi (brush-return) legs terminating in a solid footed base.

Provenance:
Inherited from the private collection of a high-ranking European diplomat and avid East Asian art collector, acquired during the 20th century.

Dimensions:
• Length: 66 cm
• Width: 29 cm
• Height: 29 cm

Condition Report:
• Overall Structure: Structurally sound and sturdy, presenting an exceptional historic patina. All main carved gilt-wood panels and bronze mountings are present and original.
• Top Surface: The top lacquered surface shows heavy clouding, ring marks, and discoloration due to past domestic use as a tea table over several decades. It has not been aggressively cleaned to preserve the original lacquer underneath.
• Base / Underneath: There is a minor structural loosening of an original small wooden corner bracket under the base. The piece is not completely detached; it remains pivoted on one side by an original pin/nail but is loose and pivoting. It simply needs to be professionally re-secured/glued in place. Traces of historical glue/old repairs are visible underneath.
• Metalwork: Beautiful genuine oxidation and verdigris patina on the bronze fittings, proving its extensive age.

Please carefully review all high-resolution pictures, which form an integral part of this condition report. A rare, high-quality temple or domestic altar piece for connoisseurs of Japanese art.