JEWELLERY, DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS AUCTION Tuesday, 2 November 2021 - 10:00 AM start

A rare mid to late Edo-period (1800s) Japanese doctor’s palanquin

Lot Details

constructed of cyprus and cedar, with domed top, the sliding side doors with fine woven thatched ventilated panels. A removeable long carrying beam (yoke) slides through supporting rope loops at the top. This rare item was used for the transportation of the doctor Tachibana to isolated hamlets and villages. Escorted by a team of ten, the doctor seated inside the palanquin, with teams of two pairs of bearers carrying it by the long beam yoke, and further bearers to carry the medicine chests. Offered together with ten ‘sandogasa’ (lacquered bamboo hats), rice straw footwear and two medicine chests. Provenance: Ex. the Tachibana family, purchased by our vendor in Japan from a descendant of the 19thC Doctor Tachibana, the carriage bearing the Tachibana family crest. CONDITION REPORT: Early to mid19thC. Built of strong but light weight materials to ease the carrying load. The wooden structure with walls covered with a weft-faced weave of soft rush (藺草, igusa) [like tatami floor mats], small windows to the sides are covered with screens of fine split cane framed by brocade fabric covered wood. The curved roof of light timber, one partial side of the roof is hinged and the sides of the palanquin slide forward or back to ease access to the interior. The palanquin seems small but the physique was much smaller in 19thC Japan. Maximum dimensions (roof) 1100 x 820 x height 900mm. Carrying beam - 4.1 metres! There is considerable distress to the materials commensurate with age (~200 years), but it is still relatively sound in structure and material construction. Refer photos and request further specific details if required (ross@cordys.co.nz)