JAPAN
Chest
1600-30Wood, partly ebonised, black, gold and red lacquer, mother-of-pearl, gilt bronze | 25.5 x 49.5 x 33.8 cm (whole object) | RCIN 39244
Chests of this type were among the earliest Japanese goods exported to Europe. The varnished decoration, called urushi, is made from the sap of the lacquer tree native to East Asia, inlaid with thick pieces of mother-of-pearl.