SCARCE LATE 19TH to EARLY 20TH CENTURY JAPANESE ANTIQUE BLACK ENAMEL & GOLD  GILT DECORATED, LACQUERED PAPIER MACHE, ORNATE FIGURATIVE HANGING WALL POCKET, FEATURINGPALACE SCENES & ARTISTS PAINTING on SCROLLS & STRETCHED CANVAS(Circa 1885-1915)Late 19th to early 20th century Japanese black enamel and gold gilt figurative lacquered papier mache ornamental, decorative wall pockets & decorative accessories DIMENSIONS: 9" Height x 9 1⁄4" Width x 2 1⁄2" Depth   Weight: 10.3 oz.
DESCRIPTION: This absolutely beautiful and extremely ornate, late 19th to early 20th century Japanese black lacquered, gold gilt decorated, figurative papier mache hanging wall pocket, is in fairly well preserved overall condition, less some loss of material at the very tip of the right hip on the back flange of the wall pocket and over the wall mounting hole. No attempt has been made to repair (now or previously) and try to reconstitute these areas of loss. This of course can be done but we have elected not to do so and to leave the period wall pocket as it was found in the estate where it was removed from. The form is made from pressed and sized papier mache and then painted with black lacquer and gilding. The decorated surfaces are lush and heavily populated with multiple figures in various stations and performing a variety of activities. These include conversing in what appears to be an imperial palace, with perhaps theEmperor and his queen with their children, seen strolling about on verandas, wearing robes and holding parasols. On the back flange behind the slanted, open pocket, can be seen gold gilt illustrated artisans painting laid out scrolls on the floor and in front of a stretched canvas in a frame. Incredibly ornate and heavily decorated with accomplished figuration. Very fine. Extraordinary.  CONDITION:Fair to Good overall antique condition.