Antique Meiji Era C1890 Japanese Wood & Lacquer Obon Ozen Large Serving Tray

This is a 130 year old antique Japanese Meiji era (c.1890) large serving tray, Obon or Ozen. It would have been used to serve a gathering where the recipients sat on the tatami floor. It is made of cryptomeria wood with over 20 coats of Japanese kijiro (natural) lacquer. It has rounded corners and overlapping raised perimeter. The overlaps are woven together with cherry bark (see pictures 6, 7, & 8).

This golden hue natural lacquer work is known as Hida Shunkei lacquer which has been hand crafted in Gifu prefecture for over tree centuries This type of natural lacquer ware has been famous in Japan for centuries.  What makes Hida Shunkei lacquer ware so special is the way that the beauty of the surface of the wood is brought out by the application of a transparent coating of lacquer. It is produced by a special method from raw natural lacquer and used to coat the wood. The technique is still used today in the making of many household items such as boxes and bowls and trays (like this one) as well s tea ceremony items. At its peak there were some 95 firms employing over 250 skilled specialists, 31 of which are nationally recognized as Master Craftsmen

Having been in storage for over a century and used a century ago for only the most special of occasions, this magnificent tray remains in  very good condition.   The bottom shows the special craftsmanship in the use of wooden pins (see picture 10). In some areas in last 100 years there are also some iron nails that have been added to give it more strength.

It measures 19" square with 3" high sides (48 x 7.5 cm). A very elegant and functional piece of art to display your treasures or serve a special treat.

Please note: None of the items displayed on the top of this table are included in this listing but can be seen in a current or upcoming sailerking listing or can be made available upon request.