Lacquered wood cabinet in the Namban style, Japan late 16th century Momoyama period

Probably a travel cabinet in iron-reinforced lacquered wood, decorated on the outside with landscapes in gold powder on a black lacquer background, with details in brown, red and white. On the top, the decoration has been completely erased, while vestiges of it remain on the door and is curiously preserved on the three sides. The interior features a set of drawers of varying dimensions, decorated with brightly-colored landscapes that have retained their brilliance, well protected from light and age-old handling. The hinges and reinforcements are in iron, as is the very simple lock, one of the very first made in Japan, since it was the Portuguese who, when they landed there around 1550, imported the know-how of European locksmiths. Inside, a drawer is fitted with another lock, also very simple and in gilded iron. This chest dates from the late 16th century, probably from the Azuchi-Momoyama period, but could be attributed to the late Muromachi period. It is an absolutely rare object, of which only a handful are known. Fortunately, it has never suffered the predations of unskilful restorers, and remains in its moving condition.
The Victoria & Albert published an article on a similar chest in 1930.