Antique Japanese Meiji 1800'S Sugi Wood Kyousoku Arm Rest For Floor Sitting

Known as a kyousoku, this arm rest was used when sitting on the tatami floor. It dates to the late Edo era (c.1840) it is made of solid sugi (cedar - cryptomeria) wood. It has a hand rubbed urushi lacquer finish over persimmon tannin stain. The raised wood grain in this style is very attractive.  This kyousoku arm rest measures 22" long by 11" tall by 5" deep (56 x 28 x 12.5 cm). Having been well loved and stored for nearly 2 centuries, with exception to some minor signs of past use (see pictures 11 - where the grain may have split and been repaired), this arm rest remains in fine condition. Please view the enlarged pictures to admire this intricately detailed carving.