A Nanban-style bundai (writing table)

Edo period (1615-1868) or Meiji era (1868-1912), 19th century

Edo period (1615-1868) or Meiji era (1868-1912), 19th century
The rectangular writing surface set on a raised dais pierced on all sides supported by a flaring scalloped apron on four cabriole feet carved with leaf designs, the whole decorated in gold hiramaki-e, kinpun and mother-of-pearl inlays on a dark brown lacquer ground, the upper surface with a fanciful design of a pavilion by the shore with rocks and birds in flight among camellia, pine, and wisteria, framed by a floral checkerboard border, the raised edge in floral lozenges, the sides and legs decorated with insects and birds in wisteria and stands of camellia, Chinese bellflowers, and mandarin oranges
15 1/8 x 23 5/8 x 8in (38.4 x 60 x 20.3cm)