Vintage Japanese Kamakura-bori Serving Tray | Sea Bream (tai) Motif

Dimensions: 11-0”w x 15-1/4”l

This Japanese red lacquered ovoid serving tray is carved in the sea bream motif, which is the Japanese fish symbol for the “bounty of the sea”. There are several layers of different colors of red lacquer and black over deeply carved wood, which heightens the fluid appearance of the design.

This tray was made of fine quality workmanship in both carving and lacquer work. The freeform shape of the bream tray is realistically represented by the carver who shows a great deal of attention to the distinctive face and fins of the fish. The fish is made of a single piece of wood. It is an extraordinary impression of a patina that only occurs within the 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 exceptionally defined carving with numerous layers of lacquer giving depth to the finish. Retains the original craft/workmanship without discoloration, chipping/cracking, surface wear, or structural damage.

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 trees or ginkgo into wooden wares and applied a lacquer finish to pieces that were given the name Kamakura-bori.