A lacquered wood chest on a stand, Japan, mid-Edo period, 18th centuryThe brown lacquer with takamakie hiramakie and kirikane gold decoration of animated landscapes with mountains, temples, pagodas and people going about their business. The interior of the chest in nashiji lacquer decorated in the same style. It is fitted with compartments, boxes, and a writing case. The inside of the lids are decorated with takamakie flowers. All the boxes are fitted with shibuichi mounts chiselled with scrolls. The chest is embellished with two handles and spandrels in patinated copper and chased foliage. It is certainly a commissioned piece made for export. 23 x 55 x 32 cm Accidents and missing parts, especially on the top of the chest. Legs from the 20th century. The interior is perhaps later.