{"product_id":"authentic-japanese-vintage-wajima-lacquer-obon-tray-w-paper-cover","title":"Authentic Japanese Vintage Wajima Lacquer Obon Tray W\/Paper Cover","description":"\u003cp\u003eAuthentic 1950s Japanese Wajima Lacquer Obon Tray\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA beautiful and authentic mid-century Japanese lacquer Obon tray, dating to approximately the 1950s and sourced from a Japanese antique auction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Funaki Senshudo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe maker's name visible on the original paper is 船木千舟堂 — Funaki Senshudo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistorical 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWajima 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesign\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tray has a wonderfully restrained mid-century appearance:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeep reddish-brown \/ urushi-style lacquer surface\u003cbr\u003eRaised rectangular rim\u003cbr\u003eDelicate gold and silver-toned feather-like decorative motif\u003cbr\u003eSmall maker's mark\/seal visible on the tray\u003cbr\u003eOriginal aged Japanese rice-paper covering\u003cbr\u003eTraditional Funaki Senshudo maker label\u003cbr\u003eElegant, understated Japanese decorative aesthetic\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the kind of piece that works equally well as a traditional serving tray, decorative display piece, or collector's object.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt would also make a beautiful addition to a Japanese interior, tea room, wabi-sabi setting, or collection of vintage Japanese lacquerware.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvenance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSourced from a Japanese antique auction in Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original paper covering and manufacturer's label remain with the tray, providing an unusually nice piece of supporting historical material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood vintage antique condition with authentic signs of age and previous use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original rice-paper covering is also aged, showing discoloration, folds, staining and general paper deterioration from decades of storage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease carefully examine all photographs, as they form an important part of the condition description.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditional Information About Wajima Lacquer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWajima-nuri (輪島塗) is one of Japan's most respected lacquer traditions and is traditionally associated with Wajima City in Ishikawa Prefecture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraditional 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis makes the original Funaki Senshudo paper label an especially interesting feature for collectors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eItem Details\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eItem: Japanese Obon Serving \/ Display Tray\u003cbr\u003ePeriod: Circa 1950s\u003cbr\u003eOrigin: Japan\u003cbr\u003eRegion: Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture\u003cbr\u003eMaker: Funaki Senshudo — 船木千舟堂\u003cbr\u003eCraft: Japanese lacquerware \/ Wajima lacquer tradition\u003cbr\u003eColor: Deep reddish-brown \/ dark lacquer\u003cbr\u003eDecoration: Gold and silver-toned motif\u003cbr\u003eIncluded: Original aged Japanese rice-paper covering\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: Japanese antique auction\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e📢 Important Shipping Policy Update\u003cbr\u003eTo ensure safe delivery, we currently ship one item per order only.\u003cbr\u003eOrders with multiple items may be canceled and refunded. Once your item arrives safely, you’re welcome to place another order.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e📦 Condition\u003cbr\u003ePlease review all photos carefully, as they form part of the item description. Dimensions and additional details are provided in the images.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Real Timeless Vintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59886464532766,"sku":"CS144","price":108.7,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0988\/3998\/6462\/files\/AuthenticJapaneseVintageWajimaLacquerObonTray1.jpg?v=1788491316","url":"https:\/\/www.realtimelessvintage.com\/products\/authentic-japanese-vintage-wajima-lacquer-obon-tray-w-paper-cover","provider":"Real Timeless Vintage","version":"1.0","type":"link"}