A rare Japanese Namban lacquer low table circa 1580-1620, the legs later

Sotheby's New York, November 17, 1984, lot 303

With age and construction cracks, dents and abrasion. Lacquer with losses, cracks, some restorations, flaking and lifting and buckling. Losses to mother-of-pearl inlay. Very attractive piece in poor condition: should enhance greatly with restoration.
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 statement made by Sotheby'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.

Namban lacquer tables are exceedingly rare. Only one full size table is known: in the National Palace, Warsaw, it is discussed in Oliver Impey and Christiaan Jörg, Japanese Export Lacquer 1580-1850, Amsterdam, 2005, p. 195. Just a few examples of low tables are known and are discussed ibid., p. 196. Two illustrated p. 196, fig. 468 and 469 show the same stepped rectangular top with gilt metal fittings at the corners. Each also shows the large overhang on each side but with front and back flush to the top and slightly inset drawers. These two tables of larger size than this lot rest on scrolled trestle supports. These, and the mechanism by which they attached are lacking on this lot. It has been suggested that they were intended for use in Japan, possibly as portable altars for the Jesuits. A Namban cabinet, circa 1580-1620, the fall-front with very similar decoration with flying birds on a shaped oval ground, is illustrated ibid., p. 121, fig. 233.