Vintage Negoro-nuri Rectangular Lacquer Stationery Box with Lid

Dimensions: 15-1/4”l x 3-3/8”w x 1-1/8”h

For sale is a beautiful Negoro Rectangular Lacquer Stationery Box that was produced in the early 1900s. The piece embodies the ancient sense of Japanese beauty and minimalistic form and primarily made to be a functional object and is void of elaborate decoration. The natural patina of vermillion and black lacquered layers give the piece an elegant appearance which has made Negoro-nuri an object to be treasured. A vermillion color was very during the seventeenth century when even powerful people used to refrain from using vermillion lacquer, so vermillion lacquerware of the Negoro style was quite rare. 

This stationery box is long, narrow, and short to primarily hold objects for writing. The visual appearance of employing shitaji undercoats utilizing multiple coats of black lacquer and then vermillion lacquer is beautifully retained in this unusual box. The true essence of sabi, (an affection for the old), from use, has created an ever-changing beauty that only resulted from the effects of aging and the distinctive movements of the maker’s hand. As seen in this beautiful box, the finish radiates with a luminous red surface that we can clearly see in Negoro-nuri pieces. The only decoration shown is the hand-formed carving of the lid in which the sides are simply formed to allow for easy removal of the lid. The foundation of the piece is thought to be Keyaki (Japanese Zelkova).

Vintage Condition: Excellent with beautiful original patina and depth to the finish. As is”, and retains the original craft/workmanship. Any discoloration, chipping/cracking, surface wear, or structural damage is noted.

NOTE: Negoro lacquer derived its name from the Buddhist temple of Negoro-ji, located in the mountains of present-day Wakayama Prefecture, just south of Osaka.