Chest, Koami-werkplaats (attributed to), c. 1635 - c. 1645

Chest, Koami-werkplaats (attributed to), c. 1635 - c. 1645

wood, lacquer, gold and silver foil, crystal, silver, copper, h c.63.5cm × w c.144.5cm × d c.73cm More details

Few lacquer chests of this quality exist. The execution is highly detailed, with drops of silver to represent the dew and each kimono decorated differently. An episode from an 11th-century Japanese tale about the adventures of Prince Genji appears on the front. The Dutch were the only Europeans to have access to Japan, where the Dutch East India Company (VOC) commissioned fine lacquer pieces for wealthy burghers.

On display in room 2.9