Description
This antique bookrest, generally called the Kendai (見台) or the Shokendai (書見台), has a decorative appearance. Black lacquer is painted on the entire surface, and the Makie (蒔絵) technique is used. The Makie is a typical Japanese lacquer art technique developed uniquely in Japan for about 1,200 years. Firstly, it needs to draw a picture with lacquer on the surface with a thin brush. Next, sprinkle the gold powder from above to show the pattern before the lacquer hardens. This technique makes a gorgeous and elegant look to works. This Makie method depicts the Tachibana (橘, a descendant of mandarin oranges) and the Karakusa (唐草, arabesque) pattern on this bookstand and the drawer box which is attached to the lower part of this stand. The color contrast of black and gold makes this bookrest look elegant.
In the design of this bookrest, you will find the Tachibana tree with its fruits and the river which flows by the tree and some plants.
The Tachibana has a strong aroma, and is resistant to snow damage, and grows well. Because of these characteristics, there is an anecdote that a person of good character and dignity was compared to being “like a Tachibana.” The custom of displaying peach blossoms and Tachibanas during the Momo-no Sekku (桃の節句, the Girl’s Festival, March 3rd) to this day. According to a theory, Tachibana came to be used as a motif of family crests because it was a prized plant. It is also said that Tachibana fruits have been believed to bring longevity and a healthy child, and its ripened fruits remain on the branches and emit their fragrance for an extended period, up to six months. In addition, evergreen trees have been regarded as lucky charms since ancient times, as they have the characteristic of not changing the color of leaves or falling and are associated with the idea “Tsunenaru Mono (常なるもの, eternal and unchanging).”
As for the Karakusa (唐草) pattern, it is a design in which vine stems and leaves are twined and make curves. Since ivy has a strong vitality and grows without interruption, people regarded this design as a symbol of prosperity and longevity. Vine is called the Tsuru (蔓) in Japanese, and it has another pronunciation; “Man.” There is a word 万 (it is also read Man), which means ten thousand. In the Karakusa pattern, leaves and vines are connected like Obi (帯, belt). The word “帯” can also be read “Tai.” Due to its pronunciation, the term “代 (Tai)” is associated. From this word-association game, an idiom 万代 is associated, and it means a thousand generations. In other words, we could imagine that people used this design wishing prosperity and longevity for their clans for a long time.
If this tool is just for reading, keeping the score open, and storing things, a simpler-designed stand or drawer could also serve as a bookrest. However, incorporating auspicious designs into such objects would have added physical and spiritual color to people’s lives. We believe it is suitable for displaying in your room as interior decoration and would add color to your room.
*As this item is an antique, please check each photo and ensure its condition.
【About us】
Samurai Museum is located in Tokyo, Japan, exhibiting antique artifacts related to the Samurai history. Samurai Museum Shop is the place for those who are interested in Japanese culture and craftsmanship. We deal with antique Samurai swords/armor, traditional crafts made in Japan and so on.
【Payment method】
We accept payment through Stripe (Credit card), PayPal, Apple Pay or ChromePay, all of which are secure payment methods. Also, you don’t need to make an account on Stripe for the checkout. If you prefer other payment method, please contact us. You may either pay in JPY, USD, AUD, CAD, EUR, CHF or GBP. The price is set in Japanese Yen. Prices in other currencies are automatically calculated based on the latest exchange rate.
【Shipping duration】
We normally ship via EMS (Express Mail Service) provided by Japan Post. It usually takes at least 5-14 days to deliver the package after you place an order. Time of delivery is estimated as accurately as possible by the carrier but does not take into account any delays beyond our control such as by inclement weather, post office holiday seasons.
We offer Free International Shipping as long as we can ship your order by EMS. If you prefer other shipping carriers, please contact us.
We will inform you of the order’s tracking number via email. Please make sure you fill out your valid email address correctly.
*If you like to make sure if EMS shipping is available to your country, please contact us.
【Antique Japanese item and Export process】
After receiving the full payment from you, we will apply for its export permit from the Board of Education to legally export the item to other countries. It normally takes around 2 to 4 weeks to receive this permit. And we would like you to expect at least 1.0 – 1.5 months for your order to arrive at your given address after you ordered.
【How to make sure the condition】
Please keep in mind that what you are going to purchase is an antique item. We uploaded high resolution photos for you to check its condition thoroughly. If you like to see more photos with different angles, please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to send them to you so that you can make informed decision.
It is essential for us to know that you are happy with your choice of antique item and we are prepared to use the best of our ability to serve you.
Would you like see some more Antique items for sale? Please check the link below. We hope you can find your favorite item.
https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product-category/antique/
