Lacquers> 1800 > Blonde tortoiseshell painted card case, Japan, beginning of Meiji period (1868-1912), around 1870.
Blonde tortoiseshell painted card case, Japan, beginning of Meiji period (1868-1912), around 1870.
Description:The sap of the lacquer tree has traditionally been used in Japan. Lacquer is applied on our tortoiseshell card case, to decorate it with an Arabian Phoenix on the front side and with lotus blossoms and leaves on the back.
The Arabian phoenix is a mythical bird, said to be as large as an eagle, with brilliant scarlet and gold plumage.
The story goes that when the Phoenix gets old it makes a nest, sometimes of myrrh, and sets it on fire. The Phoenix will be consumed in the flames, but will be reborn out of its ashes. There is only one Phoenix at a time; it lives for many years (accounts vary from 500, 540, 1000 or 1460 years.)
The Phoenix legend was very common in Egyptian, Greek, oriental cultures, as well as during medieval times.
In Japan the Phoenix has been adopted as a symbol of the royal family, particularly, the empress. It's supposed to represent the sun, justice, fidelity and obedience.
Age:c. 1870
Dimensions:Height 4 1/4 inch. ;lenght 2 3/4.
Price: Sold
Item n°:
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