A KOREAN OR RYUKYU ISLANDS INLAID LACQUER BOX AND COVER

A KOREAN OR RYUKYU ISLANDS INLAID LACQUER BOX AND COVER

19TH CENTURY

Of octagonal form and decorated with inlaid mother of pearl and gold lacquer, the flat lid embellished with a central shaped cartouche enclosing a scene of birds and flowering trees issuing from rockwork, on a ground of diaper, cash and other geometric designs, the waisted body with further panels enclosing a multitude of birds, butterflies, trees and flowers, the inside in red lacquer, 23cm. (2)

Provenance: from the collection of Professor Peter Hariolf Plesch (14th February 1918-5th March 2013) and Gerta Regina "Traudi" Plesch O.B.E. (4th December 1921-10th August 2013), collection no.Lh19C, purchased from Spink in June 1993 for £5,000. The box was illustrated and discussed in the exhibition catalogue entitled 'Far Eastern Art at Spink, Summer 1993' no.51. The authors mention the unusual mother of pearl decoration which may indicate its origins as from the Ryukyuan Islands rather than Korea.