Large Black Japanned Lacquerware Tray-Table/Coffee Table

Product Details

Large black lacquerware tray-table/coffee table.  The Japanned * lacquer tray is decorated with a continuous scene of hunting dogs pursuing water fowl and rabbits in warm browns and greens, with a gilded border.  

The tray lifts off the table and is usable on its own, and as a decorative tray to hang. The ebonized table base is in the form of bamboo shoots banded together.

31 1/2” (80cm) by 23” (58.4cm), 20” (50.8cm) high.

From Wikipedia:

*  Japanning is a type of finish that originated as a European imitation of Asian lacquerware. It was first used on furniture, but was later much used on small items in metal. The word originated in the 17th century. American work, with the exception of the carriage and early automobile industries, is more often called toleware.^[1]

Japanning is most often a heavy black "lacquer", almost like enamel paint. Black is common and japanning is often assumed to be synonymous with black japanning. The European technique uses varnishes that have a resin base, similar to shellac, applied in heat-dried layers which are then polished, to give a smooth glossy finish. It can also come in reds, greens and blues.

Used in the television miniseries “The Fellow Travelers”, airing fall 2023.