Wajima-nuri - トレー - 木、漆、金、螺鈿 - 盆 - 輪島塗 蒔絵

Title:
Imperial Wajima-nuri Lacquer Tray (Obon) with Golden Chrysanthemum Crest & Cranes - 1987 National Award Presentation Piece - Tomobako Included

Description:
This is an extraordinary, museum-quality vintage Wajima-nuri lacquer presentation tray (Obon) from 1987, showcasing a breathtaking combination of elite Japanese craftsmanship, imperial symbolism, and verified historical provenance.
- The Imperial Crest & National Award Provenance -
The back of the tray bears an elegant inscription in gold lettering: "昭和六十二年春 黄綬褒章受章記念 山上賢治" (Spring 1987, In Commemoration of Receiving the Medal with Yellow Ribbon by Kenji Yamagami).

The Medal with Yellow Ribbon (黄綬褒章) is one of Japan's most prestigious national honors, awarded personally by the Emperor of Japan to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding dedication and ultimate excellence in their professional fields. This tray was specially commissioned as an ultra-exclusive, non-sale presentation gift to commemorate this national event.
Reflecting this high honor, the center of the tray features the magnificent Sixteen-petal Chrysanthemum Crest (十六葉菊紋) rendered in brilliant gold Makie—the sacred, official seal of the Japanese Imperial Family.

- Masterful Multi-Layered Artistry -
The main artwork depicts two majestic cranes flying toward a grand pine tree (松鶴図). As demonstrated in the spectacular close-up photographs, the tray utilizes multiple advanced lacquer techniques:

1. Taka-Makie (Raised Gold Lacquer): The powerful trunk of the pine tree is heavily raised to create a volumetric, three-dimensional texture, detailed with genuine silver and white lacquer.

2. Raden (Mother-of-Pearl): A beautiful square piece of genuine iridescent abalone shell is inlaid into the trunk, shimmering in rainbow colors under the light.

3. Fine Chinkin: The radiating pine needles are hand-engraved with razor-sharp precision, reflecting a flawless geometric beauty.

4. Mehajiki (Wood-Grain Lacquer Finish): The body of the tray is finished in a sophisticated black lacquer that allows the natural, elegant grain of the wood to show through beneath the surface.

While this masterpiece functions beautifully as a luxury serving tray, its grand size (45cm) and incredible artistic depth allow it to double as a stunning interior showpiece.
It can be displayed vertically on a stand or mounted as a breathtaking wall-hanging art piece, bringing the luxury of traditional Japanese elite culture into any modern space.

- Dimensions & Weight -
* Dimensions: 45.0 cm x 27.5 cm x 3.8 cm
* Weight: 500 g

- Condition -
The main inner surface of the tray and the gold/silver artwork are in spectacular vintage condition with an incredible gloss and no major wear. Given its age of nearly 40 years, there are some minor signs of use, including a few small lacquer chips/peeling along the gold-painted outer rims and corners (as clearly documented in the close-up photos).
However, these do not compromise the overall artistic value or structure of this elite piece.
It remains highly displayable and functional.
It comes safely preserved inside its original signed wooden box (Tomobako 共箱).

* Type: Wajima-nuri Lacquer Presentation Tray (お盆)
* Technique: Taka-Makie (高蒔絵), Chinkin (沈金), Raden (螺鈿), Wood-grain finish (目弾き)
* Special Inscription: 1987 Medal wit

(Shipping)
secure protective materials to ensure safe international transportation. We take pride in careful packaging and prompt shipping so that the item arrives in the best possible condition.
Import duties and taxes imposed in the destination country are the responsibility of the buyer, in accordance with international shipping regulations.