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 tr...