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"We are very proud to offer an Antique, heavily carved, Japanese Meiji (1868-1912) ladies dressing table &amp; a true matching chair. The Japanese culture has a long history of fabulous wood carving. However, \"carved\" furniture itself was never produced in Japan until about 1865-1868. This change was a consequence of Westernization. It really began after European tourists asked for furniture that was Japanese-looking but with a European function. This type of furniture began in Yokohama &amp; Hamamono by Haruo Numashima &amp; Houjiro Shinohara. The Japanese people called this furniture flashy, grotesque, or just \u201Cdock-things\u201D. But, they were a BIG hit over-seas. The majority of these pieces show characteristics of Western Baroque. This Japanese furniture has been called by some Meiji Baroque. I think that is perfect! But, it was a short-lived fad, about 45-50 years. However it was a VERY prolific era. Our piece, in particular, is a one-of-a-kind, elaborately carved, just fantastic example of \u201C Meiji Baroque\u201C. Our dressing table is 65 inches high, about 43 inches across top, &amp; about 28 inches wide, at widest. The mirror is a separate piece that fits into the frame of dressing table. (One of the holders for mirror on back needs to be tightened somehow.) The top of mirror is a swirling 3-D mass of python-like dragon among thunder clouds. The sides that make-up frame for mirror have matching swirling dragons &amp; clouds. The other carvings are kinder, gentler dragons with bat-like wings &amp; vines. I hardly know what to call the carvings! The chair matches the table. It is a true match with the stippled \"Greek Key\" design on both, &amp;, dragons, also, match. The stippling was a great deal of work all by itself. The table breaks down into 3 pieces: table, mirror, &amp; frame for mirror. Another important feature of this set is the rare, scarce Brazilian (Palisander?) Rosewood on top of table &amp; on seat of chair. The table\u2019s wood, besides rose-wood top, looks dark, almost black, but if you shine a flash-light on it , it looks pure RED! But, chair looks \u201CPurple-Red\u201D with a flash-light on it , except for rose-wood seat. I do not know for sure what kind of woods these are, but they probably are red mulberry wood. This set is very sturdy &amp; has only a few small losses. The top of table has a couple of cracks in rose-wood that show in photo. This type of Meiji carved furniture is very sought-after, &amp; you just do not see swirling dragons anymore. It is just breath-taking, if you like these, which we do. However, here in Oklahoma, they are under-appreciated! But, in the real world, these pieces are nearly impossible to find &amp; they are so wonderful. This is why this set is so expensive. It is probably worth even more or will soon be! Oriental things have gone \"through the roof\" in last year! They  (BIG Auction Houses) predict Asian will continue to go up for next 5 years. This set is truly amazing &amp; fantastic. We bought it in San Francisco, Ca. about 40 years ago. I put on my make-up with it for more years than I wish to own up to! It will have to go with a furniture shipper of buyer's choice (probably Craters &amp; Freighters), paid for by buyer. We accept Paypal only. All sales final on this set. We can send more photos. The carving were done by a Master carver!"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.trocadero.com/stores/kitty/items/1098027/Swirling-Dragon-Japanese-Meiji-Boudoir-Set>