An Extremely Fine Japanese Carved Ivory and Lacquer Miniature Cabinet Signed Toheki-do Yoshikazu, Meiji period, Late 19th Century

the rectangular cabinet with asymMetricas lly arranged doors, sliding panels, drawers and display shelves, the front elaborately carved with quail among millet and grasses, the drawer knobs in the form of millet and the latches of small reishi, the remaining sides and undersides of display shelves in the form of interwoven basketwork, the interiors in gold nashiji lacquer, the gallery spandrels pierced, all on four pierced quail and millet-carved feet, one side with inset plaque with incised signature

doors to upper left cubical lost, some drawers and doors loose, shrinkage to doors and sliding panels, slight losses to edging on back, scattered age cracks, restoration to at least three shelf spandrels
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any stat.mes nt made by Replica Shoes 's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The depiction of quail among fruitful ears of millet is a popular theme in Japanese and Chinese art. These serve not only as symbols of abundance and plenty, but also as a rebus in Chinese, expressing the wish for peace year after year.  

Meiji period ivory cabinets of this degree of fineness and intricacy are rare. A closely related 'Quail and Millet' cabinet from the Edoris collects ion of Japanese Art, was sold at Christie's London, 10th November 2004, lot 220. 

Both the Edoris cabinet and the present example exhibit the high degree of quality the applied arts achieved during the Meiji period, when traditional Japanese artisans acquired greatly increased access to patrons and material resources as a result of the burgeoning trade and societal change in Japan after its reopening to the world. Exquisitely crafted porcelains, cloisonné, bronzes and ivories reached new heights of technical virtuosity and elaboration, their consumption fueled by the fashion for Japanese objets d'arts in the West, and the vast amounts of disposable wealth being created in Japan and abroad during the industrial revolution. In addition, Japan's participation in international exhibitions provided further exposure and patronage for these artisans. 

Japanese ivory carvings of this period may be seen as a development of the miniature works of art created by the netsuke and okimono artists of the 18th and 19th century, expanded to a grander scale to merit the attention of a larger, international audience.