Antique Japanese Urushi Black Lacquer Bowl – Wajima-nuri, Gold Maki-e Hagi and Butterfly Motifs

📋 Features

• Origin: Japan, Wajima region (Ishikawa prefecture), found in Nagasaki prefecture
• Estimated Period: Shōwa Period, mid-20th century
• Material: Wood lacquered with natural urushi 漆, deep black finish
• Exterior Decoration: Hagi 萩 (Japanese clover / lespedeza) motif made with gold maki-e 蒔絵, hand-applied
• Interior Decoration (lid): Butterflies 蝶 (chō) in finely executed gold maki-e
• Dimensions:
  
  • Diameter: ~12.8 cm
  • Height with lid: ~7.5 cm
  • Height without lid: ~5 cm

Condition: Antique — Very good condition. The black lacquer is smooth and shiny, with no chips or scratches. Maki-e decoration is crisp and very well preserved.

Description

This antique Japanese lidded bowl is a piece of traditional urushi lacquerware from Wajima, one of Japan's most renowned centers for high-quality lacquer production 輪島塗 (Wajima-nuri).

Wajima lacquer is famous for its exceptional durability and the incomparable depth of its black, achieved through multiple layers of natural urushi carefully applied and polished. This demanding technique gives the pieces a resistance and shine that endure for decades.

The gold maki-e decoration was hand-applied, using the traditional method of sprinkling gold powder onto the still-wet lacquer. The hagi (萩) motif, an emblematic plant of Japanese autumn, belongs to the classic theme of seasonal grasses (秋草 akikusa). A symbol of gentleness and discreet elegance, it is very present in traditional decorative arts.

Inside the lid, two butterflies (蝶 chō) in gold maki-e. Their presence creates a delicate contrast with the depth of the urushi black.

🧽 Care Instructions

• Hand wash in lukewarm water with a soft sponge
• Wipe immediately with a dry cloth
• Do not soak
• Do not expose to sunlight or a heat source
• Do not use in dishwasher or microwave
• Avoid highly acidic foods

🦝 Why we love this bowl

A true Wajima lacquerware piece, with delicately hand-crafted maki-e.
An antique bowl that combines strength, elegance, and poetry — perfect for miso soup… or simply for the pleasure of admiring a beautiful Japanese antique.

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