Tray - Wood - Wakasa-nuri Lacquer Tray

Traditional Japanese Wakasa-nuri lacquer tray from Fukui Prefecture, Japan, accompanied by its original storage box and original Japanese explanatory leaflet.

The original box is labelled in Japanese:
“Kokyu Shikki – Wakasa-nuri” (High-grade lacquerware – Wakasa lacquer).

The tray has a deep glossy black lacquer surface with intricate gold-coloured decoration, shell elements and a chrysanthemum-style floral design.

According to the original explanatory leaflet included with this piece, the origins of Wakasa-nuri date back to the Keicho era (1596–1615), when a lacquer craftsman in the castle town of Obama developed a decorative lacquer technique inspired by Chinese lacquer art and the appearance of the seabed.

This technique became known as “Kikujin-nuri”. The leaflet further explains that during the Kan'ei era (1624–1644), the technique was encouraged and protected under Lord Sakai Tadakatsu and developed into what became known as Wakasa-nuri.

One of the distinctive characteristics of Wakasa-nuri is its elaborate layered decoration. According to the accompanying leaflet, materials such as eggshell fragments and shell are incorporated into the design, followed by repeated applications of coloured lacquer. The surface is then carefully polished to reveal the decorative pattern created within the multiple lacquer layers.

The process requires numerous stages over an extended period, producing the characteristic depth and complex appearance associated with traditional Wakasa lacquerware.

This example features numerous small gold-coloured decorative elements and pieces of shell beneath the glossy dark surface, together with a floral motif.

The original Japanese leaflet explaining the history and traditional characteristics of Wakasa-nuri is included in the lot and is shown in the photographs.

Condition:
Good vintage condition with minor signs of age and storage. The original outer box shows age-related wear and marks. Please examine the photographs carefully as they form part of the condition description.

Dimensions:
Approx. 23 × 15 × 1.5 cm.

Weight:
Approx. 213 g including the original box.

Country of origin:
Japan

Region:
Fukui Prefecture / Wakasa region

Included:
- Wakasa-nuri lacquer tray
- Original storage box labelled “High-grade lacquerware – Wakasa-nuri”
- Original Japanese explanatory leaflet

The item will be carefully packed with protective materials for international shipping.