Lacquer ware

Japanese and Chinese lacquerware holds a distinguished place in the history of East Asian decorative arts — a tradition built on extraordinary patience, material mastery, and an aesthetic philosophy that finds beauty in utility. Each piece is constructed through dozens of successive layers of urushi, the resin harvested from the lacquer tree, finished with techniques that include maki-e (gold and silver powder painting), raden (mother-of-pearl inlay), and chinkin (engraved gold inlay). But beyond the technical achievement, these are objects made to be touched, used, and treasured — a writing box passed across a scholar's desk, a sake cup lifted to the light. At Shogun's Gallery, we've spent over four decades seeking out pieces that carry both historical integrity and genuine presence, because we believe the best lacquerware speaks to you whether or not you know its period or provenance.