An antique Japanese lacquer ware desk stand with the two original cut glass inkwells. Made in the Meiji period in a specialist lacquer workshop using traditional urushi lacquer and raden (mother‑of‑pearl and abalone) inlay techniques.​ The base would have been carved or built up from wood, then coated with multiple thin layers of purified urushi sap, each layer dried and polished to create a deep black, durable surface.​ Thin pieces of shell (abalone, pearl oyster, etc.) were cut to shape and either inlaid into shallow recesses or pressed into a still‑tacky lacquer ground—this technique is known as raden—then over‑lacquered and polished so the shell sits flush and iridescent.​ Finally, gold lacquer (maki‑e) scrolls and borders were brushed on giving the shimmering, polychrome effect seen around the edge and on the lift‑out compartment lid.
 
A stunning desk stand that is a beautiful decorative item as well as remaining functional.
 
In very good condition, one edge chip to one of the ink bottle rims.
The stand measures 30 x 22cm (11.81" x 8.66").