Bowl - Paulownia (Kiri)

Traditional Japanese Wagashi (Higashi-bon) dessert plate – Paulownia (Kiri) wood and bamboo – Heisei era, around 1994 – Never used – With original box and purchase document

Magnificent traditional Japanese square plate intended for presenting Japanese confections (wagashi), especially during the tea ceremony (chanoyu).

Made of paulownia wood (kiri) and natural bamboo, this plate stands out for its elegance, lightness, and the finesse of its craftsmanship.

Japanese craftsmanship and aesthetics

The plate features a wide paulownia wood frame, valued in Japan for its lightness, stability, and the beauty of its natural grain.
The four sides of the frame are carefully joined, forming a border that slopes slightly toward the center.
The central part is composed of many fine strands of natural bamboo, arranged parallel to each other, creating an elegant contrast between the wood and bamboo textures.
The natural hues of bamboo, ranging from golden beige to light brown, bring warmth and refinement to the whole.
The clean geometric shape and the use of natural materials perfectly reflect traditional Japanese aesthetics, based on simplicity, harmony, and the beauty of materials.
The plate rests on a slightly raised base, giving it an elegant silhouette.

Traditional use

This type of plate, called higashi-bon, is traditionally used to present dry Japanese confections (higashi), notably served during the tea ceremony.
It can also be used to present pastries, sweets, or as a decorative object in a Japanese or contemporary interior.

Era and provenance

Japan, Heisei era, probably around 1994.
The plate comes with its old delivery note from the tea ceremony accessories shop “Iwataen,” located in Kobe, Japan.
The document appears to bear the date June 30, Heisei 6 (1994), and indicates an amount of 11,000 yen.
This documentation provides an interesting record of the commercial provenance and history of the item.

Original box

The plate is kept in its original box, decorated with traditional Japanese textile patterns in brown, blue, green, and ivory.
The presence of this box and the era purchase document adds extra interest to this set.

Specifications
- Origin: Japan
- Era: Heisei, probably 1994
- Type: Japanese confection plate / Higashi-bon
- Materials: paulownia wood (kiri) and natural bamboo
- Shape: square
- Dimensions: 22.8 × 22.8 cm
- Height: 3 cm
- Condition: never used
- Original box: included
- Old delivery note: included
- Price on document: 11,000 yen

Condition

The plate has never been used and is in excellent condition.
The paulownia frame retains its beautiful natural grain and the fine bamboo strands are well preserved.
No notable damage is visible on the plate.
The original box shows some wear and aging, particularly on the sides, visible in the photographs.
Please examine the photographs closely, which are an integral part of the description.

Interest for collectors

A beautiful example of traditional Japanese craftsmanship combining two emblematic natural materials: paulownia wood and bamboo.
Its minimalist aesthetic, excellent conservation state, and the presence of its original box accompanied by an old commercial document make it a particularly interesting piece for tea ceremony enthusiasts, Japanese crafts aficionados, and traditional decorative objects collectors.
An elegant and authentic piece, ideal for a collection of tea ceremony accessories or to add a refined touch to an interior.