This exquisite namban chest is a rare example of chests madein Japan, in the beginning of the 17th century for the Europeanmarket, with its rectangular shape revealing the inspiration takenfrom the Portuguese 16th century chests. Adding to its particularshape, the use of shagreen, a form of Japanese decoration usingthe green skin of stingrays, combined with the extraordinary lacquerwork with mother-of-pearl inlaid detailing, is a rather unusualand rare feature.This rectangular chest, with a top lid and horizontal drawer,is covered, in its exterior with shagreen with ornamental work inblack lacquer wood with gold lacquer (maki-e) and motherof-pearlinlays.The articulated top lid, opening upwards, is decorated inthe centre with a large oriental fan, adorned with an orange-tree,Japanese camellia and birds pattern. The fan motif is uncommon innamban pieces, however, here is, also, repeated on the frontal side ofthe chest, with two small fans depicted symmetrically side-by-side.The horizontal drawer is adorned with mother-of-pearl inlaidand typical border of golden scrolling and interlacing tendril pattern.All sides of the chest are framed with a geometric border ofsmall mother-of-pearl triangles alternated with three thin goldenlines over the black lacquered ground. The original brass mountings,the large engraved escutcheon and side handles, are original.The interior of the lid is also decorated and presents aninteresting detail. The inscription “A. R. Tibbs” is written in agothic-style lettering, unveiling, potentially, the name of its owner.This inscription was, however, made in a later occasion and notwhen the chest was originally made. Also painted on the blacklacquered lid, a rabbit on its back with a flower branch and a butterflypassing over.
Hugo Miguel Crespo