Antique Japanese Meiji Era 1860 Round Black Lacquer Shochikubai Makie Plate

This is an antique Japanese early Meiji Era (c. 1600) makie plate.  It would have been used to serve tea or small appetizers. It is hand turned made of cryptomeria wood with over 20 coats of Japanese black lacquer. The raised wood grain is still visible as a texture across the shining surface. This plate features gold lacquer work of a bird perched on a plum blossom branch above bamboo and behind a pine tree. These elements combined are referred to as Shochikubai, a lucky combination of strength, renewal and flexibility. The red based lacquer can be seen in the back foot of the bird (picture #9) before the delicate gold and transparent lacquer was applied. A beautiful example of Japanese lacquerware.

Having been used lovingly for over a century, it has a chip in pic7 it is in good condition. The tray measures 9 3/4" in diameter by 3/4" tall (24.5 x 2 cm). A very elegant and functional piece of art to display your treasures.