Two lacquered copper portrait medallions, Japan late Edo period

Japan, late Edo period, 18th century.
Each measures 14.5 x 9.2cm.

The medallions are decorated in gold hiramakie over a black lacquered background, one depicting Charles III and the other Charles VI, each surmounted with gilt brass loops for hanging.

Both portraits were made for export to France as part of a series of medallions depicting French monarchs.

One medallion bears the inscription ‘Charles III. Dit LE GRAS’ to the front and ‘Empereur XXVIIIe. Roy de France. Mort en souobele 8. Janvier 888. apres 3 ans deregne’ to the reverse.

The other medallion bears the inscription ‘CHARLES VI.’ To the front and ‘LIIe. Roy de France. Mort a Paris, Le 21 Octobre 1422, Apres 42 ans de regne’. to the reverse.