A "lectern" for reading the Bible, made in Japan about 400 years ago, was recently found in Portugal. There are traces of crosses and other decorations that appear to have been removed.
Site is attracting attention as a valuable document that reveals the feelings of people at the time who feared the oppression of Christianity. The lectern is entirely painted in black lacquer, with a pine tree depicted in the center, and the periphery is studded with shellwork. It is considered to be one of the Nanban lacquerware that was passed over the world.