The fronts of the cabinet doors are decorated, in gold and aokin raised makie with a continuous motif of pavilions on a shore and a pair of cranes; the reverse with flying wild geese, bamboo and bellflowers.
The interior has eight drawers which are decorated with various symbolic flora and fauna, as are the sides of the cabinet.
The rectangular top is also decorated with pavilions and trees in a rocky landscape.
There are very fine engraved strap hinges, corner mounts and an embossed escutcheon, 71.4cm high, 59.5cm wide, 43.6cm deep.
The plain black stand is early 18th Century.
The 1804 Burghley Inventory records: ‘Green Dressing Room …a Large Japan Cabinet on a Black frame.’
Exhibited: ‘Export Lacquer: Reflection of the West in Black & Gold Makie.’ 2008, Kyoto Museum & Suntory Museum, Tokyo, Cat. No. 82.
