Beautiful Japanese Meiji (late 19thC) black and gold lacquer writing table (bundai). Of standard form with fudegaeshi (raised sections to left and right), the table is decorated in gold and slight silver takamaki-e with highlights of inlaid shell and kirikane with a bold design of a peacock. The peacock is depicted standing on rocks, from which issue abundant peony blossoms, before a cascading waterfall, its tail trailing behind, on a black-lacquer ground sprinkled with sparse hirame flakes. The outer sides of the legs are embellished in mura-nashiji. Comes in a lacquered wood storage box. The table measures 61.5cm x 30.5cm x 15.5cm (24¼in x 12in x 6 1/16in high).
Very good condition with little wear.