$2,700
Export Writing Desk, Japan, the shaped top with shelves centered by carving of iris and a back panel with pierced dragon design, flanked by two doors, each enclosing four pigeonholes, carved with further iris stalks in relief, with an additional drawer beneath the right door, the rectangular beaded desk top carved with a border of petals above a four-drawer frieze with pierced clouds, all drawers carved with chrysanthemum blossoms, the sides carved in low relief with scrolling floral design, supported on four iris-form cabriole legs with scroll feet, overall ht. 52; 30 x 40 x 26 in. Provenance: Descent from an English family who lived in Shanghai from the late 1800s to 1911. This desk was transported to England in 1911, and then brought to New England. Note: For a similar example see Bonhams, San Francisco, Sale 15883, Lot 6251, March 3, 2008.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2013-04-23
