A LARGE AND RARE LACQUERED KODANSU Japan, 1750-1850, later Edo period (1615-1868) The impressively lacquered kodansu (cabinet) with one large, four medium-sized, and three small drawers, all with original gilt bronze fittings and handles. The top of the cabinet is decorated with Manchurian cranes amid a pine tree and clouds. The left door shows a farmer getting water from a stream into large barrels decorated with gold leaf on the front and a falcon amid kiku on the back, while the right door shows a monumental landscape with two figures peeking out from craggy rockwork, pines, and houses by a lake in the front and flying cranes on the back. These motifs are repeated all over the cabinet and all executed in fine hiramaki-e and takamaki-e. One original key for the door. SIZE 53.5 x 53.5 x 35 cm Condition: Fully original and overall excellent condition commensurate with age, one key for the drawer is lost, the locks are no longer working. Provenance: Private collection of Werner Wahlen, Frankfurt.