Chest of drawers

Trade between Japan and Europe began with the arrival of the Portuguese in 1542. Following the landing of these foreigners, or "Namban," the Japanese began making lacquer specifically for the Western market. Called "Namban" lacquers, these pieces are usually European forms covered with dark lacquer, mother-of-pearl inlay, and gilt decoration. Small, portable desks like this example were especially popular in the West and were imported by Portuguese, British, and Dutch traders until the 1680s when trade between Japan and Europe was disrupted.