Description

A fine pair of Japanese export lacquer secretaires owned by Sir Stamford Raffles 1813

Experience the extraordinary elegance and historical significance of A Fine Pair of Japanese Export Lacquer Secretaires Owned by Sir Stamford Raffles, 1813, a truly exceptional set of Kyoto-Nagasaki style secretaires crafted by the esteemed Lakwerker Sasaya Workshop in Kyoto, Japan, circa 1800–1813.

These rare pieces represent a harmonious blend of Japanese lacquer artistry and French-inspired Empire design, meticulously created to cater to European tastes during the early 19th century while preserving the finest Japanese craftsmanship.

A fine pair of Japanese export lacquer secretaires owned by Sir Stamford Raffles 1813

Each secretaire is constructed from sugi wood (Cryptomeria japonica) and finished in rich black lacquer, adorned with gold and silver powder, mother-of-pearl inlays, and exquisitely crafted gilt metal mounts.

The resulting visual effect is a masterful interplay of texture, light, and intricate detailing, capturing both the luxurious aesthetics of Japanese lacquerwork and the formal elegance of European decorative arts.

Both secretaires proudly bear the name “Olivia” in delicate hira-maki-e calligraphy above the fall front, marking them as personalized gifts for Lady Olivia Mariamna Stamford Raffles, the wife of the founder of Singapore, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles. Visit our woodwork section . for elegant wooden creations and fine craftsmanship.

A fine pair of Japanese export lacquer secretaires owned by Sir Stamford Raffles 1813

The upper sections of these secretaires feature two doors flanked by intricately twisted maki-e columns with finely gilt bases and capitals.

These capitals are miniature, lifelike reproductions of To-Kyou upper bracket temple structures, reflecting a rare incorporation of traditional Japanese architectural elements into furniture design. Discover more stunning handcrafted pieces in our woodwork collection

Underneath a retractable board, which may have served to hold candles, the fall-front writing slope opens to reveal numerous compartments and drawers, all meticulously decorated with floral sprays, showcasing both the technical prowess of the Kyoto workshop and the exquisite refinement expected by European patrons.

A fine pair of Japanese export lacquer secretaires owned by Sir Stamford Raffles 1813

The lower section consists of two generously sized drawers, each ornamented with Chinese-style landscapes within oval cartouches, exemplifying the cross-cultural influences that defined Japanese export lacquer during this period.

Inside the fall front, the signature “LAKWERKER SASAYA” appears in elegant gold within an oval border, affirming the authenticity of these masterful creations.

A fine pair of Japanese export lacquer secretaires owned by Sir Stamford Raffles 1813

Measuring H. 177 cm x W. 101.5 cm x D. 48 cm each, this pair is not only visually commanding but also historically profound. Provenance traces directly to Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles and Lady Olivia, passing through the hands of the Raffles family, the Villeneuve family, and later private collections in Brussels and Paris.

These secretaires are recognized as some of the finest surviving examples of Kyoto-Nagasaki export lacquer furniture and remain extraordinarily rare on the market.

A fine pair of Japanese export lacquer secretaires owned by Sir Stamford Raffles 1813

Owning this pair allows collectors and connoisseurs to immerse themselves in a pivotal moment of cultural exchange—the meeting of Japanese artistry and European design sensibilities in the early 19th century.

Their unparalleled craftsmanship, combined with personal historical significance, makes them a museum-quality acquisition and a centerpiece for any collection. See the Rare Meiji Period Japanese Lacquer Cabinet

A fine pair of Japanese export lacquer secretaires owned by Sir Stamford Raffles 1813

For discerning collectors seeking exclusive acquisitions, these secretaires can be purchased using the most reputable cryptocurrencies, ensuring modern convenience while securing a piece of unparalleled historical and artistic value.

Elevate your collection with the Stamford Raffles Secretaires, a unique testament to luxury, refinement, and cross-cultural artistry.