Vintage Japanese Black Urushi Lacquer Bowl – Wajima-nuri, Gold Maki-e and Red Lacquer – Paulownia Motifs

Characteristics

• Origin: Japan, Wajima 輪島 region, Ishikawa Prefecture, discovered in Nagasaki Prefecture
• Estimated period: Shōwa period, second half of the 20th century
• Material: Wood lacquered with natural urushi 漆, glossy black finish
• Type: Japanese bowl with lid 蓋付き椀, also called futa-tsuki wan
• Exterior decoration: Japanese paulownia kiri 桐 motifs, leaves and flowers in red and gold, accompanied by red arabesques
• Decorative technique: Gold maki-e 蒔絵 and red lacquer decoration, applied over black lacquer
• Interior decoration: Sober interior in deep black lacquer, without decoration, highlighting the brilliance of the urushi
• Dimensions:
  • Diameter: ~ 12.5 cm
  • Height without lid: ~ 6 cm
  • Height with lid: ~ 9 cm
• Weight: ~ 145g

Condition: Vintage — Excellent overall condition. The black lacquer is shiny and well preserved. The red and gold decoration has a beautiful luster. No notable defects.

Description

This superb Japanese bowl with lid is a traditional urushi lacquerware piece, from Wajima, one of Japan's most prestigious centers for the production of high-end lacquer 輪島塗, Wajima-nuri.

Wajima lacquer is particularly prized for its depth, durability, and understated elegance. Made by successive applications of natural urushi, it gives objects a smooth, shiny, and durable surface, capable of lasting for decades with intact beauty.

The decoration combines deep black with motifs of Japanese paulownia, kiri 桐, in red and gold. The gold motifs are in maki-e 蒔絵, a traditional technique consisting of sprinkling fine metallic powder onto fresh urushi. The paulownia is a noble and prestigious plant motif, associated with authority, high distinctions, and great emblems of power in Japan. The red arabesques add movement to the whole. They are reminiscent of the plant volutes karakusa 唐草, often used in Japanese art to suggest growth, continuity, and vitality.

The entirely black interior highlights the purity of the form. This type of bowl can be used to present miso soup, clear broth, a delicate dish, or a small Japanese preparation. It can also be displayed as a decorative object.

🧽 Care tips

• Wash by hand in warm water with a soft sponge
• Wipe immediately with a dry cloth
• Do not soak
• Do not expose to direct sunlight or a heat source
• Do not use in the dishwasher or microwave
• Avoid very acidic or very fatty foods for long periods
• Handle the lid with care to preserve the lacquer and decoration

🦝 We love

This Wajima lacquer bowl is superb, particularly meticulously crafted with a high level of finish. This is clearly a refined piece. We love its powerful contrast between the deep black, the golden motifs, and the red arabesques.

Also discover our "Tableware" collection, where other lacquers, as well as porcelains and ceramics, perpetuate the elegance and delicacy of Japanese craftsmanship.