Beautiful Japanese Edo (Mid 19thc) Pair of Gold Lacquer Sake Cup Stands

19th century

Sold by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Description

Superb Japanese Edo (mid 19thC) pair of gold lacquer sake cup stands (kagetsudai) with ‘four gentlemen’ design of plum blossom, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum. The design also incorporates Ganoderma lucidum fungi/mushrooms. In original wooden box. 10cm x 10cm x 8cm high.

Excellent original condition.

The phrase "Four Gentlemen" in the context of Chinese art and design refers to a group of four plants: the plum blossom, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum. These plants are not associated with the mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi). The Four Gentlemen symbolize different virtues and are frequently depicted in traditional Chinese art, representing the seasons and embodying qualities like perseverance, purity, righteousness, and humility.

Ganoderma lucidum, commonly known as the reishi mushroom, varnished conk, lacquered bracket or ling chih, is a red-colored species of Ganoderma with a limited distribution in Europe and parts of China, where it grows on decaying hardwood trees. It is used to treat a variety of chronic diseases.

Physical Dimensions

Height

8cm (3.15")

Width

10cm (3.94")

Depth

10cm (3.94")

Declaration

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1149170

Dealers Internal Reference

AD1233

Description

fig 1. Beautiful Japanese Edo (mid 19thC) Pair of Gold Lacquer Sake Cup Stands — fig 1. Beautiful Japanese Edo (Mid 19thc) Pair of Gold Lacquer Sake Cup Stands

Excellent original condition.

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The phrase "Four Gentlemen" in the context of Chinese art and design refers to a group of four plants: the plum blossom, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum.

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

These plants are not associated with the mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi). The Four Gentlemen symbolize different virtues and are frequently depicted in traditional Chinese art, representing the seasons and embodying qualities like perseverance, purity, righteousness, and humility.

fig 2. Beautiful Japanese Edo (mid 19thC) Pair of Gold Lacquer Sake Cup Stands — fig 2. Beautiful Japanese Edo (Mid 19thc) Pair of Gold Lacquer Sake Cup Stands

Ganoderma lucidum, commonly known as the reishi mushroom, varnished conk, lacquered bracket or ling chih, is a red-colored species of Ganoderma with a limited distribution in Europe and parts of China, where it grows on decaying hardwood trees. It is used to treat a variety of chronic diseases.

Physical Dimensions

Height

8cm (3.15")

Width

10cm (3.94")

Depth

10cm (3.94")

Date of Manufacture

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1149170