Writing table with clan emblems (mon), anonymous, c. 1700

wood, lacquer, gold, h 10.9cm × w 59cm × d 35cm More details

The high quality of the lacquerwork suggests that this writing table probably belonged to a member of the Maeda clan, who bore an emblem comprised of circles. It is small in format, for use by a woman. All the motifs are meticulously executed. The mon circles are made of gold leaf, each enclosed by a narrow border of gold lacquer.