Missal stand
PLACE/DATE
Japan, Momoyama period, 16th/17th century
MATERIALS
Lacquered wood with mother of pearl inlays
DIMENSIONS
49,5 x 31 cm
INV
MB.1441
The missal stands with scissor lock structure, like this one, are a common type of Namban artistic production, produced by the Japanese from European models for export or for use by foreigners living in Japan, as happened with the Portuguese religious communities until 1639, when they were expelled from the country.
Intended to support the missal on the altar, this object displays an advanced state of deterioration of the black lacquered surface (uruxi). However, part of the decoration, dominated by the emblem of the Society of Jesus inscribed on a striped mandorla and by ascending radiating branches with gilded foliage on the back (hiramakie) and enriched by mother-of-pearl inlays (raden), can still be seen.
