18th Century Japanese Lacquer Insect Cages

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A Japanese lacquer Mushikago (Insect cage) Edo period, 18th century a pair of lacquer insect cages decorated in gold scrolling grasses, chrysanthemums, Tokugawa mon and Kujo mon family symbols on a ro-iro (black lacquer) ground and strut between cages., the roofs of both cages fixed in silver Kanagu (metalwork) fittings with the Tokugawa and Kujo clan symbols repeated. It is recorded that a daughter of the ruling Tokugawa family married court noble from the Kujo clan in the first decade of the 1800's and this is likely to have been part of a wedding dowry set for the newly betrothed, 8.5 cm high, 21 cm wide, 11 cm deep other Notes: the 'Insect-hearing' festival is a rite in Japan from feudal times, and the season begins with the Fudo temple festival in May., the ceremony occurs quietly, cages are opened and the insects are freed to feed. As the insects realize they are free, they sing to a patiently awaiting audience.

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Edo Period, Japan - The Edo period in Japan lasted from 1603 to 1868. During this time, Japan was ruled by the Tokugawa shogunate, a military government led by the Tokugawa family. The Edo period is characterized by a period of relative peace, stability, and economic growth, as well as by the development of a distinctive culture and society.

During the Edo period, the capital of Japan was moved from Kyoto to Edo (modern-day Tokyo), and the country became increasingly isolated from the rest of the world. The shogunate implemented strict policies to maintain control, including the restriction of foreign trade and travel. However, despite this isolation, the Edo period saw significant cultural and artistic development, including the emergence of the ukiyo-e woodblock print tradition, the growth of Kabuki theater, and the flourishing of a vibrant merchant culture.

The Edo period ended with the Meiji Restoration of 1868, which saw the collapse of the shogunate and the restoration of imperial rule.
Mon - A mon is a Japanese heraldic emblem, indicating the status or the family of the owner, similar to a family crest. Nowadays almost all Japanese families and many businesses have a mon.

In decorative arts, mon are used as a decorative element on a vase, plate, bowl or item of furniture.
Lacquered Lacquerware - Lacquer is a clear or coloured resin that is obtained from the sap of several species of trees in the genus Rhus, particularly the Rhus verniciflua tree, which is native to China and Japan. The resin is harvested by making incisions in the tree bark and collecting the sap that oozes out.

The sap is then processed and refined through a series of steps, which may include filtration, heating, and chemical treatments. The resulting lacquer is a highly durable and glossy material that is used as a finish for furniture, musical instruments, and other objects.

Lacquer has been used for thousands of years in Asia, where it is valued for its beauty and durability. It is applied in multiple thin layers, with each layer being allowed to dry and harden before the next one is added. The process can take several weeks or even months to complete, but the resulting finish is incredibly hard, glossy, and resistant to scratches and wear.

The lacquer derived from the resin of the Rhus tree has been used for decoration of furniture in several countries in Asia, particularly China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. These countries have rich traditions of using lacquer for furniture decoration and have developed unique techniques and styles of lacquer work.

In China, lacquer has been used for furniture decoration for over 2,000 years, and it became a major art form during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) dynasties. Chinese lacquerware is known for its intricate carving, painting, and inlay work, as well as its use of bold colours and designs. Lacquer was used to decorate furniture such as cabinets, screens, and chairs.

In Japan, lacquer has been used for furniture decoration for over 1,000 years. Japanese lacquerware is characterized by its simplicity and elegance, and it often incorporates natural materials such as wood, bamboo, and shells. Lacquer was used to decorate furniture such as chests, cabinets, and trays.

In Korea, lacquer has been used for furniture decoration for over a thousand years. Korean lacquerware is known for its restrained and understated beauty, and it often features delicate patterns and designs that are achieved through careful layering and carving. Lacquer was used to decorate furniture such as cabinets, chests, and screens.

In Vietnam, lacquer has been used for furniture decoration for over 2,000 years. Vietnamese lacquerware is known for its vibrant colours and intricate designs, and it often features scenes from daily life, nature, and mythology

18th Century Japanese Lacquer Insect Cages

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