Cabinet
by UNKNOWN CABINETMAKER, Dutch, Oak, inlaid with Japanese lacquer panels, 202 x 159 x 54
The lacquer work decorating this cabinet was originally part of a Japanese chest dating from the early 17th century. Seamen sailing for the Dutch East India Company brought chests like this back to the Netherlands. When they went out of fashion later in the century they were broken up and in other pieces of furniture - as in the panels of this oak cabinet veneered with walnut, palm and purplewood.