A Japanese lacquer worker's work table and storage drawer with a marbled lacquer surface. Lacquer is a refined sap from the urushi tree (Rhus verniciflua) related to the sumac tree. When being applied to a work it is a viscous oily liquid, which often drips on the craftsman's work surface, building up over the years After each project a small amount of lacquer would dry in the top of the box, over the years gradually creating a painterly surface.
20th century
21” x 16” x 8 ½” high
