19th-century Japanese Writing Desk.

A very beautiful, large Japanese writing desk: 36 cm wide, 30.5 cm deep, 17 cm high.
It is lacquered black with decorations combining two techniques: polished gilding without relief and gilding with a thick relief effect achieved by mixing it with other materials, such as charcoal or clay powder.
The writing box’s wide lid features the latter technique and depicts a peacock and his mate against a background of cherry blossom branches and flowers.
The entire rim is richly decorated with delicate flowers and branches—primarily cherry blossoms—using the flat gilding technique.
The lid, which comes with its original key and a functional lock, opens onto a two-part writing tray whose leather has been replaced in our workshop.
The upper section opens to reveal a lacquered decoration of great finesse on its reverse side and a spacious storage compartment. The square holes on top were intended to hold inkwells.
The upper part of the writing case is closed by a remarkable curtain-style lid that opens in two sections, revealing a removable pen compartment that conceals a compartment whose bottom is pierced with round holes, the purpose of which is unknown to us...
This magnificent writing desk, in excellent condition, will be a key decorative element in your home office.