A unique Nagasaki lacquered documentary table dating to around 1850 will lead the Japanese Aesthetic sale at Christie's London on December 17.
It carries an estimate of £80,000-100,000 ($129,680-162,100).
 The table features life-size models of a pair of macaque monkeys in chanchanko jackets |
The item was bought at the Great Exhibition of 1851, held at Crystal Palace in London, by William Spencer Cavendish, the sixth duke of Devonshire (1790-1858).
A particularly ornate example of the Nagasaki tables that were produced in Kyoto in the first half of the 19th century, it is distinguished by the two life-size macaque monkeys dressed in chanchanko jackets arranged at its base.
At the time the French practice of "singerie", or the depiction of monkeys dressed as humans, was enormously popular.
The table is constructed from lacquered wood inlaid with shell and mother of pearl, with the central column carved into the shape of a palm tree.
It was displayed at Cavendish's home at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, were it stood until the present day.
A rare Nabeshima dish created during the Edo period (late 17th - early 18th century) is valued at £70,000-90,000 ($113,470-145,890).
 Nabeshima porcelain featured uniquely Japanese designs |
The dish was produced at Okawachi, near the town of Arita in Saga prefecture, for the use of the ruling Nabeshima clan.
In contrast to Japanese porcelain of previous generations, which had been inspired by the Chinese tradition, Nabeshima examples used Japanese motifs reminiscent of textile patterns.
The dish is decorated with pomegranates on a branch overlaid on a geometric pattern, and features a shippo and ribbon pattern on the reverse.
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