Japanese Lacquer Tray

This Meiji-period lacquer tray represents the mastery of Japanese craftsmen in the art of lacquer work. Precious materials are precisely inlaid in the lacquer base, creating a highly...

This Meiji-period lacquer tray represents the mastery of Japanese craftsmen in the art of lacquer work. Precious materials are precisely inlaid in the lacquer base, creating a highly...

This exquisite Meiji-period lacquer document box known as a ryoshibako showcases the meticulous artistry of maki-e, a technique of raised lacquer decoration. Adorned with gold and vi...

This intriguing Chinese zhadou is intricately carved of fine cinnabar lacquer. A work of exceptional artistry, this covered bowl is adorned with an intricately carved floral motif on all surfaces, including the cover and the wide rim. Also known as a cuspidor or spittoon, this rare container would have been used by members of the imperial family and scholar- officials at the court. Carved during the Kangxi period (1662-1722), this charming piece exhibits the high detail and charm associated with items from that period, making it a true treasure, Early 18th century (Kangxi dynasty) Measures: 6 ¼” wide x 3 ¼” high Cinnabar has been revered for its color all over the world. It has been found in the royal burial chambers of the Mayas, in the rituals of India, and in the ruins of ancient Greece and Rome. In China, cinnabar and gold were the two most important elements in alchemy. Mined since the Neolithic Age, cinnabar is the ore of mercury, and as such, it can be incredibly toxic, especially when mining. In fact, during the Roman Empire, miners at Spain’s Almadén mine in Spain were frequently exposed to mercury fumes, and the subsequent, often fatal, sickness was considered an occupational hazard. The most popular known use of cinnabar is in Chinese carved lacquer-ware, a technique that is believed to have originated in the Song Dynasty, in which cinnabar is ground to a powder and added to clear lacquer. As with mining, there was inherent danger of mercury poisoning for those who carved the lacquer, as mercury was also released into the air when artisans ground the pigments. Most antique cinnabar...

A large rectangular tray with scalloped corners and slightly raised gallery rim circa late 19th century to early 20th century (end of Meiji period). The center image showcases a live...

Vintage Urushi red lacquer tray with six stemmed cups - each cup gilt decorated with a different floral, leaf or bamboo specimen - the tray gilt decorated wit...

Interesting black japanned rectangular tray with unusual cobalt blue and gilt decoration.

A set of four Japanese shallow footed bowls or dishes in red lacquer with predominantly gold Makie design circa 1920s-1930s Taisho period. Each was decorated with hiramakie painting of different motifs, mostly gold, black and pewter color. One with a temple drum...