A JAPANESE LACQUER LOW TWO-TIERED DISPLAY TABLE, 1912-1926 (TAISHO PERIOD)

Elegant lacquer low two-tiered display table, known as a ‘kanmuri’shoku’ 冠卓 (crown display table) adorned by intricate design of autumn flowers executed in hiramaki-e 平蒔絵 (low-relief lacquer design) and takamaki-e 高蒔絵 (high-relief lacquer design) in different shaded of gold, silver and red. Showcasing a chrysanthemum 菊 (kiku) that is on the verge of blooming. Surrounded by bushes of lespedeza 萩 (hagi) and pampas grasses 薄 (susuki). The lower shelf decorated with a branch of ‘heavenly bamboo’ 難点 (nanten) bearing red berries.
Both tiers are shaped like two partially stacked squares, carried by four feet that slightly curve at the bottom. The reticulated galleries at the sides formed like stylized Buddhist flames.

Height: 23.1 cm.
Width: 54.6 cm.
Depth: 32.9 cm.

In a very good condition with 3 small restorations of minimal lacquer loss from the corners.

CATALOGUE NOTE
A kanmuri’shoku 冠卓, also known as kanmuri’dai 冠台, is a specialized stand traditionally used for placing crowns or hats. Over time, the function of the kanmuri-shoku has evolved, and it is now commonly used as a stand for incense burners, ceramics and other decorative objects. These stands often featured multiple shelves, intricately decorated with gilded makie and exquisite mother-of-pearl inlay known as raden. Valued as luxurious and symbolic of aristocratic furnishings, these elaborate kanmuri-shoku became synonymous with the refined aesthetics of shinden-zukuri architecture寝殿造 (Heian style aristocrat architecture). Today, they serve mostly as exquisite displays, showcasing the beauty of decorative objects and or as a luxurious piece on their own.