{"product_id":"signed-nobuaki-japanese-lacquer-panel-with-whist-counter-meiji-period","title":"Signed Nobuaki | Japanese Lacquer Panel with Whist Counter | Meiji Period | Circa late 19th Century","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Context \u0026amp; Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Japan\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lacquered wood (urushi) with gilt floral decoration; hand-painted panel; bone or early composite tabs with applied insect motifs (Shibayama-style inlay)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Meiji Period, circa late 19th to early 20th century\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA visually striking and culturally rich Japanese lacquer framed painting paired with a Shibayama-style whist counter, both dating to the Meiji period—a time when Japanese decorative arts were produced for both domestic use and export.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lacquer panel features a finely hand-painted landscape scene, likely depicting Mount Fuji in the distance, with figures navigating a small boat across calm waters. The painting is set within a deep red lacquer frame adorned with intricate gilt floral motifs, reflecting traditional Japanese seasonal symbolism and design aesthetics. The work is signed “Nobuaki,” adding an element of artistic attribution and enhancing its collectible appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccompanying the panel is a whist scoring counter, crafted in lacquer with inset tabs depicting finely detailed insect motifs in the Shibayama style. This decorative technique often incorporates natural materials such as shell, bone, or early composite elements. Whist counters were used in card games popular during the 19th century and were frequently exported to Western markets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTogether, these pieces represent both artistic refinement and functional design, embodying the fusion of Japanese craftsmanship with Western leisure culture during the Meiji era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Hand-painted Japanese landscape scene, likely depicting Mount Fuji\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Signed “Nobuaki” on the painting\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Deep red lacquer frame with gilt floral decoration\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Shaped viewing aperture enhancing visual depth\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Matching lacquer whist counter with multiple scoring tabs\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Tabs decorated with insect motifs in Shibayama-style inlay\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Reverse panel showing traditional construction techniques\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Combination of artistic and functional decorative elements\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCultural Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the Meiji period, Japan expanded its presence in international markets, producing finely crafted decorative objects for Western collectors. Lacquerware (\u003cem\u003eurushi\u003c\/em\u003e) became one of the most celebrated exports, admired for its durability and intricate decorative techniques.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhist counters such as this example were specifically created to accompany popular European card games, often incorporating traditional Japanese motifs such as seasonal flowers and insects. These objects reflect a unique cultural exchange, blending Japanese artistry with Western social practices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFair to good antique condition overall. The lacquer frame shows visible cracking, surface wear, and losses consistent with age. The painting remains intact with minor wear. The whist counter shows wear, losses to some decorative elements, and surface aging. Structurally stable and displays well with strong character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFramed Panel\u003cbr\u003eHeight: 12.5 in\u003cbr\u003eWidth: 15.25 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhist Counter\u003cbr\u003eHeight: 3 in\u003cbr\u003eWidth: 4.5 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e100–130 years old\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn More\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDiscover the artistry of Shibayama-style whist markers through \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.thewhistmarkersmuseum.com\/index.php?p=1_24_Shibayama-Whist-Markers\" title=\"Shibayama Whist Markers – The Whist Markers Museum\"\u003eThe Whist Markers Museum\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBrowse our curated \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/collections\/historical-art-rare-paintings-collectibles\/Historical-Art:-Rare-Paintings-\u0026amp;-Collectibles\" title=\"Historical Art: Rare Paintings \u0026amp; Collectibles – Relic \u0026amp; Rarity\"\u003eCollection of Historical Art \u0026amp; Rare Paintings\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Relic and Rarity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52940611780930,"sku":null,"price":500.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/1803\/2194\/files\/japanese-lacquer-painting-nobuaki-shibayama-whist-counter-meiji.png?v=1776560571","url":"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/products\/signed-nobuaki-japanese-lacquer-panel-with-whist-counter-meiji-period","provider":"Relic \u0026 Rarity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}