Authentic Japanese Vintage Wajima Lacquer Obon Tray W/Paper Cover

Authentic 1950s Japanese Wajima Lacquer Obon Tray

A beautiful and authentic mid-century Japanese lacquer Obon tray, dating to approximately the 1950s and sourced from a Japanese antique auction.

This elegant rectangular tray features a deep dark reddish-brown lacquer finish with a highly polished surface and a delicate decorative motif executed in metallic gold and silver tones. The understated design is very much in keeping with the refined Japanese aesthetic of the period, where the beauty of the lacquer surface is allowed to remain the principal feature.

The most interesting part of this piece is the original aged rice-paper covering, which has been preserved with the tray. The paper carries a traditional Japanese manufacturer's label identifying Funaki Senshudo (船木千舟堂) of Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture.

The label also contains traditional wording associated with high-quality lacquerware, making it an especially attractive piece for collectors interested not only in Japanese decorative arts, but also in the history and makers of Wajima lacquerware.

About Funaki Senshudo

The maker's name visible on the original paper is 船木千舟堂 — Funaki Senshudo.

Historical information from the present Senshudo organization explains that Funaki Senshudo was an older branch of the Senshudo lacquer tradition in Wajima. Around 1950, the Senshudo name was divided between two businesses, with Funaki Senshudo operating primarily in the western area of Wajima. The Funaki branch eventually closed in the early 2000s, making surviving pieces bearing the older Funaki name particularly interesting as historical examples of Wajima lacquer production.

Wajima lacquerware is renowned for its traditional multi-stage craftsmanship and the specialized division of labor between woodworkers, lacquer craftsmen and decorative artists. Wajima's lacquer tradition is recognized as one of Japan's important traditional lacquer traditions.

The Senshudo name itself has a long history in Wajima, and the modern company continues to produce Wajima lacquerware today. The company is based in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture.

Design

The tray has a wonderfully restrained mid-century appearance:

Deep reddish-brown / urushi-style lacquer surface
Raised rectangular rim
Delicate gold and silver-toned feather-like decorative motif
Small maker's mark/seal visible on the tray
Original aged Japanese rice-paper covering
Traditional Funaki Senshudo maker label
Elegant, understated Japanese decorative aesthetic

This is the kind of piece that works equally well as a traditional serving tray, decorative display piece, or collector's object.

It would also make a beautiful addition to a Japanese interior, tea room, wabi-sabi setting, or collection of vintage Japanese lacquerware.

Provenance

Sourced from a Japanese antique auction in Japan.

The original paper covering and manufacturer's label remain with the tray, providing an unusually nice piece of supporting historical material.

Condition

Good vintage antique condition with authentic signs of age and previous use.

The lacquer surface remains attractive and glossy, with normal minor signs of age, including light surface marks, fine scratches and small areas of wear consistent with a Japanese vintage lacquer piece of this age.

The original rice-paper covering is also aged, showing discoloration, folds, staining and general paper deterioration from decades of storage.

Please carefully examine all photographs, as they form an important part of the condition description.

There are no claims of modern restoration or reproduction. This is being offered as an authentic vintage Japanese piece with its original age and character preserved.

Please note: Because lacquerware is an organic material, slight variations, patina, surface marks and aging should be expected and are considered part of the character of an antique Japanese lacquer object.

Additional Information About Wajima Lacquer

Wajima-nuri (輪島塗) is one of Japan's most respected lacquer traditions and is traditionally associated with Wajima City in Ishikawa Prefecture.

Traditional Wajima lacquerware is produced through numerous specialized processes rather than being simply painted with lacquer. The production traditionally involves separate craftsmen working on the wooden base, foundation layers, lacquer application, polishing and decorative finishing.

One particularly interesting characteristic of Wajima lacquer is its traditional foundation work using locally sourced diatomaceous earth, which forms part of the distinctive Wajima production technique.

The Senshudo lineage is also historically significant. The present Senshudo organization states that its roots extend back to the Funaki Senshudo tradition in Wajima, with the business relationship between the two branches dating to the mid-20th century.

This makes the original Funaki Senshudo paper label an especially interesting feature for collectors.

Item Details

Item: Japanese Obon Serving / Display Tray
Period: Circa 1950s
Origin: Japan
Region: Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture
Maker: Funaki Senshudo — 船木千舟堂
Craft: Japanese lacquerware / Wajima lacquer tradition
Color: Deep reddish-brown / dark lacquer
Decoration: Gold and silver-toned motif
Included: Original aged Japanese rice-paper covering
Provenance: Japanese antique auction

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📦 Condition
Please review all photos carefully, as they form part of the item description. Dimensions and additional details are provided in the images.