

Japanese Kamakura-bori Lacquerware Tray
Vintage Japanese Kamakura-bori Serving Tray | Sea Bream (tai) Motif
Age:1930s
Descriptive qualities& condition:
Dimensions: 10-0” dia
This is a beautiful Japanese red lacquered round serving tray, which is carved in the sea bream motif, a Japanese fish symbol for the “bounty of the sea”. There are several layers of different colors of red lacquer and black over wood, which heightens the fluid appearance of the design.
This tray was made of fine quality workmanship in both carving and lacquer work. The shape of the bream and the roundness of the tray is realistically represented by the carver who shows a great deal of attention to the distinctive face and fins of the fish. The tray is made of a single piece of wood. It is an extraordinary impression of a patina that only occurs within ages of usage. This piece's natural beauty embodies the concept of the Japanese aesthetic that crystalizes within the notion of sabi, which describes the attraction of objects that came through age and natural use.
Vintage Condition: Excellent with unusually defined carving with an exceptional number of layers of lacquer giving depth to the finish. “As is”, and retains the original craft/workmanship. Any discoloration, chipping/cracking, surface wear, or structural damage noted.
NOTE: Kamakura-bori is a type of lacquerware made in the area around the city of Kamakura in Kanagawa prefecture. The tradition dates back to the Kamakura period (1185-1333) when Tsuishu and Tsuikoku, thickly lacquered wooden objects, were imported from China alongside other artistic crafts. The style of the imported wares was later incorporated with Japanese arts and traditional patterns and Kamakura-bori was born. Initially, Kamakura-bori techniques were mainly applied to Buddhist statues and altar items. Under the influence of Chinese handicraft work, sculptors of Buddhist ritual implements and temple carpenters started to carve Japanese Judas tree or ginkgo into wooden wares and applied a lacquer finish to pieces that were given the name Kamakura-bori.
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