Antiques - Asian Art
Shibayama Japanese Miniature Cabinet
$3,700.00		Fabulous little Meiji period hinged door lacquer and shell cabinet with drawers. This is a Kodansu, or Incense Chest. The small drawers held slivers of precious incense woods, the top drawer held silver inmplements for handling the wood, and the lidded box, if metal lined, was an actual Koro, or burner. It would have held rice-chaf ash, into which a lit charcoal was put. A small mica plate was placed above this, and a sliver of wood on it. The heat would smoulder the wood, producing fragrance. This dates to the late 19th c. and is truly a little treasure. In very good condition, with only minor separation of the shell and gold piping on some of the edges of the cabinet (does not threaten the structural integrity), and one small chip out of the bottom edge of one side. All parts and fittings present and accounted for (even though one of the sterling silver drawer pulls looks like it may be a replacement). The bronze fittings on the doors are all engraved. Hinges are perfect. There is a handle on top for carrying it around (like luggage). The inlaid gold and pewter? flower decorations inside and outside are stunning. There are a total of 4 drawers (one long one on top, 3 small ones on left side), one box with lid, and one slide out shelf (for mixing the opium?). Overall size: 3 1/4" X 2 3/4" X 2" deep.

Below are more views of the item. (These may take a minute to load. Please wait. It's worth it!)