{"title":"Antique Urushi Lacquerware","description":"\u003cp\u003eOne-of-one antique Japanese urushi (漆 \/ natural lacquer) pieces — Kishū-shikki of Wakayama, Wajima-nuri of Ishikawa, Aizu-nuri of Fukushima, and other regional lacquer traditions. Wood-based substrates with multi-layer natural urushi finish. Categorically NOT microwave \/ dishwasher \/ oven safe — hand-wash only with lukewarm water. Each piece documented with provenance, era, and condition report.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"vintage-showa-kishu-shikki-urushi-lacquer-plate-set-of-5-kikumon-wakayama","title":"Vintage Showa Kishu-Shikki Urushi Lacquer Plate Set of 5 — Kikumon Chrysanthemum Crest, Wakayama","description":"\u003cp\u003eA vintage Shōwa-era (1926–1989) Kishū-shikki (紀州漆器 \/ Kishū lacquerware) plate set — five wood-based urushi-lacquer plates in the classic 梅花型 (baika-gata \/ plum-blossom 6-petal) form, finished in the deep translucent 溜塗 (tame-nuri) wine-black urushi that is the signature of the Kuroe (黒江) lacquer tradition, each with a centered 16-petal gold kiku (chrysanthemum) crest. From \u003cstrong\u003e和歌山県 海南市 黒江\u003c\/strong\u003e — the Kuroe district of Kainan, Wakayama, one of Japan's three major lacquerware regions, METI-designated Traditional Craft since 1978. Originally retailed at \u003cstrong\u003e¥100,000 JPY\u003c\/strong\u003e in the Shōwa period (user-attested). Comes with the navy cloth-texture presentation gift box, the 紀州漆器 Kuroe-nuri industry-promotional pamphlet (with historical Edo-period Kuroe market-scene illustration), and the yellow 取扱説明書 instruction manual.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eForm: 梅花型 銘々皿 五客揃 (baika-gata meimei-zara go-kyaku-zoroe) — plum-blossom-form individual-serving plate, 5-piece presentation set\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMaterial: wood-based urushi 漆 (Japanese lacquer); deep 溜塗 (tame-nuri) translucent red-black finish\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePattern: 16-petal 菊紋 (kikumon \/ chrysanthemum crest) in gold, centered on each plate\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eEra: 昭和時期 (Shōwa, 1926–1989) — broad user-attested band; specific year not yet narrowed\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eOriginal retail (Shōwa period, user-attested): ¥100,000 JPY\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePlate diameter: ~13 cm (5.1\") per plate\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePlate height: ~1.0–1.5 cm estimated (will be confirmed before dispatch)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eQuantity: 5 plates per set (五客揃)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFoot mark \/ maker signature: not yet documented — additional photo of plate underside available on request\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eIncluded paper accessories: (1) 紀州漆器 (Kishū-shikki) Kuroe-nuri industry-promotional pamphlet (with the historical Edo-period Kuroe market-scene illustration) (2) yellow 取扱説明書 lacquerware care instruction manual\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMade by an unnamed Kishū-shikki \/ Kishū lacquerware artisan in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, curated by ZenKiln\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Kishū-shikki \/ 紀州漆器 (Kuroe-nuri tradition)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKishū-shikki traces its name to the historical 紀伊国 (Kii \/ Kishū) Province — modern Wakayama Prefecture. The craft is centered on 黒江 (Kuroe), a district of 海南市 (Kainan City) that has been a major urushi-lacquer production hub for over 400 years, dating back to the late Muromachi \/ early Edo periods. The 紀州漆器 industry-promotional pamphlet enclosed with this set carries the iconic Edo-period Kuroe market-scene illustration — depicting the bustling Kuroe shōtengai (market street) where lacquerware makers, traders, and shoppers exchanged finished pieces. Kishū-shikki is one of Japan's three major lacquerware regions (alongside 輪島塗 Wajima-nuri of Ishikawa and 会津塗 Aizu-nuri of Fukushima) and was designated 伝統的工芸品 (Traditional Craft) by Japan's METI in 1978. The signature finish is 溜塗 (tame-nuri) — translucent layered urushi with subtle iron-and-tannin coloring producing the wine-black depth visible on these plates, distinct from the matte-black of Wajima or the brighter reds of Aizu.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout the kikumon motif \u0026amp; the 菊紋入り commemorative category\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe kiku (菊 \/ chrysanthemum) is one of the four classical \"Four Gentlemen\" plants in East Asian decorative art and carries strong cultural weight in Japan: the 16-petal stylized chrysanthemum (十六弁八重表菊紋) is the official emblem of the Imperial Family, and kikumon-decorated lacquerware + ceramics belong to a recognized Japanese commemorative-product category — 「菊紋入り記念品」 (kikumon-iri kinen-hin) — independently documented by current-day specialist suppliers whose catalogs explicitly include 漆器 (lacquerware) as a standard sub-category alongside ceramics, glass, frames, and other commemorative gift classes. This category is conventionally exchanged at 叙勲 (Imperial Decoration) \/ 褒章 (Medal of Honor) celebration banquets and other formal milestone events.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe original consignor describes this set as 「皇室御用」（historical record） (Imperial Household associated) and 「謹製」 (respectfully made). \u003cstrong\u003eWe surface that attribution as consignor-provided context — but we identify the piece by its descriptive category match (a 菊紋入り Kishū-shikki commemorative plate set) rather than as a verified historical Imperial Household commission\u003c\/strong\u003e, because the tomobako with Imperial Household Agency seal \/ named-purveyor certificate \/ signed provenance documentation that would be required for the latter is not present in the materials we have for this listing. Buyers seeking a verified historical Imperial Household designation piece may prefer to look at named 宮内庁御用達（historical record） makers (limited to a small registry); buyers who value the recognized 菊紋入り commemorative tradition + the verified Kishū-shikki Traditional-Craft body + the substantial Shōwa-period original retail anchor + the full original presentation pamphlet and box will find this set offers a complete Kishū lacquerware composition in the formal commemorative-decoration tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eUse \u0026amp; Care (urushi lacquerware specific)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePer Kishū-shikki traditional-craft care standards (and the enclosed yellow 取扱説明書 instruction manual): urushi lacquerware is \u003cstrong\u003eNOT microwave-safe\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eNOT dishwasher-safe\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eNOT oven-safe\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003emust not be soaked\u003c\/strong\u003e. Hand-wash gently with lukewarm water and a soft cloth or sponge; avoid abrasive cleansers, scouring pads, alcohol, and prolonged direct sunlight. Avoid sudden temperature change. Urushi is a natural plant-based lacquer that, properly cared for, develops a deeper sheen over decades — but is sensitive to heat, UV, and harsh chemicals. Wipe dry immediately after use and store away from direct sunlight in a moderate-humidity environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGifting \u0026amp; Presentation (5-piece commemorative format)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 五客揃 (5-piece set) is Japan's standard hospitality and celebration-banquet gift unit — one plate per guest, ready for wagashi service in a tea-ceremony adjacent setting, dessert service at a formal dinner, or a milestone gift for a wedding, anniversary, retirement (還暦 \/ 喜寿 \/ 米寿), or family heirloom occasion. Original presentation includes the navy gift box, the Kishū-shikki Kuroe-nuri industry pamphlet, and the yellow care manual. We hand-pack the full set in protective wrap + a secondary outer box for international shipping; insurance is strongly recommended for this category.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eShipping \u0026amp; Returns (Antique Line)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a one-of-one estate set. We do not accept returns on antique-line listings; all condition details and the maker's documentation are disclosed above and in the photos. Please ask any questions before purchase — we are happy to send additional close-up photos including plate undersides, the kikumon technique macro, and the pamphlet detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout ZenKiln\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA Japan-based curator connecting international collectors with Japan's artisan ceramic tradition. We work closely with the kilns, workshops, and makers featured in our shop — each one disclosed in our About section — and hand-pack every piece in Japan for safe delivery worldwide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e📦 Ships from Japan, hand-packed for safe delivery.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ZenKiln","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47661189169382,"sku":"ZK-PLATE-KSH-001","price":380.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0779\/5392\/5350\/files\/DSC09062.webp?v=1778808482"},{"product_id":"vintage-wajima-lacquer-meoto-wan-bamboo-makie-tomobako-showa-1985","title":"Vintage Wajima Lacquer Bowl Pair — Bamboo Maki-e, Tomobako, Showa 1985","description":"\u003cp\u003eA pair of hand-finished \u003cstrong\u003e輪島塗 (Wajima-nuri)\u003c\/strong\u003e lacquer bowls in the traditional \u003cstrong\u003e夫婦椊 (meoto-wan \/ 'husband-and-wife') format\u003c\/strong\u003e, made in \u003cstrong\u003e1985 (Shōwa 60)\u003c\/strong\u003e. One bowl is finished in vermilion (朱) lacquer, one in deep black (黒), and both are decorated with sasa — Japanese bamboo grass — in hand-applied \u003cstrong\u003e蜡絵 (maki-e)\u003c\/strong\u003e gold. The pair arrives in its original paulownia \u003cem\u003etomobako\u003c\/em\u003e (signed inside the lid) with both bowls still individually wrapped in maker-stamped washi paper, and the original Wajima association pamphlet folded inside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e📐 Specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSet:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2 bowls — one vermilion exterior + vermilion interior, one black exterior + vermilion interior (meoto-wan \/ Japanese 'husband-and-wife' pair)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEach bowl:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12 cm rim diameter × 6 cm height (≈4.7″ × 2.4″), 5 cm foot ring diameter (≈2.0″)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEach bowl weight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 132 g (≈4.7 oz); pair total ≈ 264 g (≈9.3 oz)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCapacity:\u003c\/strong\u003e to be measured by water-fill test before dispatch (typical meoto-wan profile)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSubstrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 天然木 (natural wood — Wajima tradition typically keyaki 欅 or asunaro 檜; specific species not declared on the Quality Act label)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSurface lacquer:\u003c\/strong\u003e うるし塗装 (urushi)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLacquer base:\u003c\/strong\u003e 地の粉漆下地 (ji-no-ko urushi — the diatomaceous-earth-charged foundation layer that is the signature Wajima technique)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDecoration:\u003c\/strong\u003e hand-applied maki-e (蜡絵) sasa bamboo motif in gold, with light green-yellow leaf accents\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBox:\u003c\/strong\u003e original 桐箱 paulownia tomobako, 28.5 × 15 × 10 cm (≈11.2 × 5.9 × 3.9″); lid exterior 輪島塗 夫婦椊 brush calligraphy; interior 哲 + 伝統工芸師 + maker's red seal\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePaper wrap:\u003c\/strong\u003e each bowl in maker-stamped washi paper — 特堅牢美術 \/ 産 輪島塗 \/ 伝統工芸\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePamphlet:\u003c\/strong\u003e original 輪島塗の栃 from 漆の里・輪島 (Urushi-no-Sato Wajima — the official Wajima lacquerware association)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eQuality Indication Act registration:\u003c\/strong\u003e 承認番号 SK-IK-0156 (家庭用品品質表示法)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCurated by ZenKiln\u003c\/strong\u003e from a Japanese antique dealer; \u003cstrong\u003eattribution Tier A\u003c\/strong\u003e (era + origin + craft tradition) + \u003cstrong\u003eTier B\u003c\/strong\u003e (signed 哲, designated Traditional Craftsperson — specific named individual not identified)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e🏮 Provenance \u0026amp; Attribution\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWajima-nuri (輪島塗) is the lacquerware tradition of Wajima city on the Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecture. It is one of Japan's officially designated 経済産業大臣指定 伝統的工芸品 (Traditional Crafts recognised by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry), and is known for its \u003cstrong\u003ehonkenji 本堅地 method\u003c\/strong\u003e — a 70-to-120-step lacquering process taking between four months and over a year per piece, characterised by a ji-no-ko (地の粉) base layer of charged diatomaceous earth that creates an exceptionally durable foundation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis pair carries a \u003cstrong\u003eTier A attribution chain\u003c\/strong\u003e for era, origin, and craft tradition: original paulownia tomobako with 輪島塗 夫婦椊 brush calligraphy on the lid; maker-stamped washi paper-wrap reading 特堅牢美術 \/ 産 輪島塗 \/ 伝統工芸 (Special-Durability Art \/ Wajima-produced \/ Traditional Craft); original 輪島塗の栃 pamphlet from the official Wajima lacquerware association; Quality Indication Act registration SK-IK-0156 on the box underside declaring material composition as urushi over ji-no-ko base over natural wood. Production year given as Shōwa 60 (1985).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003eTier B attribution\u003c\/strong\u003e applies to the specific maker. The interior of the tomobako lid bears the signature \u003cstrong\u003e哲 (Tetsu)\u003c\/strong\u003e accompanied by the formal title \u003cstrong\u003e伝統工芸師 (Dentō Kōgei-shi — Designated Traditional Craftsperson)\u003c\/strong\u003e and a red square maker seal. A second faint scratched mark of two characters appears on the underside of the black bowl. The title 伝統工芸師 is a government-recognised designation given to artisans who have passed a national qualification, so the maker's professional standing is verified — but the specific named individual behind the signature 哲 cannot be attributed without a further match in a Wajima maker registry, so we do not name a specific artist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e🔍 Condition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pair has been preserved in its original packaging since 1985 and arrives with light surface wear consistent with a 40-year-old hand-finished piece — no major chips or losses are visible in supplied photographs. Antique lacquerware is by nature a record of its years; any minor abrasions, lacquer micro-cracks, or faint scratches that emerge under loupe inspection will be enumerated honestly before dispatch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e✍️ Tomobako \u0026amp; Hakogaki Transcription\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExterior lid (sumi calligraphy):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e輪島塗　夫婦椊 — Wajima-nuri Meoto-wan — 'Wajima-lacquer Husband-and-Wife Bowls'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInterior lid (hakogaki, top to bottom):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e哲 → Tetsu \/ Tetsuo → maker's go-mei (signature character)\u003cbr\u003e伝統工芸師 → Dentō Kōgei-shi → 'Designated Traditional Craftsperson'\u003cbr\u003e[red square seal] → maker's studio mark\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaper wrap (each bowl):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e特堅牢美術 \/ 産 輪島塗 \/ 伝統工芸 — Tokukenrō Bijutsu \/ san Wajima-nuri \/ Dentō Kōgei — 'Special-Durability Art Ware \/ Wajima-produced \/ Traditional Craft'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBox-bottom Quality Indication Act sticker:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e家庭用品品質表示法による表示\u003cbr\u003e· Surface coating type: うるし塗装 (urushi lacquer)\u003cbr\u003e· Base coating: 地の粉漆下地 (ji-no-ko urushi base)\u003cbr\u003e· Substrate type: 天然木 (natural wood)\u003cbr\u003e· Approval number: SK-IK-0156\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e🎋 Cultural \u0026amp; Craft Context\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003etwo-tone red-and-black pairing\u003c\/strong\u003e seen in this set is one of the classical Wajima-nuri colour traditions: the red (朱 shu) is for one partner and the black (黒) for the other, with both bowls sharing a vermilion interior so the two read as a matched pair when set side by side at the table. The decoration motif — \u003cstrong\u003esasa (笹)\u003c\/strong\u003e, a short-leaved bamboo grass — is a long-running Japanese decorative subject, often paired with pine and plum (matsu-take-ume \/ 松竹梅) but here used alone, with each bowl carrying a slightly different sasa branch composition in gold maki-e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe accompanying brochure, \u003cstrong\u003e輪島塗の栃 ('Notes on Wajima Lacquer')\u003c\/strong\u003e, is the standard introductory pamphlet from the official Wajima lacquerware association (漆の里・輪島); it documents the roughly 1,000-year recorded history of Wajima lacquer, the 600-year history of the honkenji method that defines the craft, and notes the typical 70-to-120 production steps and 4-month-to-1-year per-piece timeline.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e🧼 Care for Antique Lacquerware\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHand-wash only in lukewarm water with mild soap; rinse gently and pat dry with a soft cotton cloth\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eNO microwave, NO dishwasher, NO oven — heat will damage urushi lacquer and may crack the wood substrate\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAvoid prolonged soaking; never leave in standing water\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAvoid direct sunlight when not in use (urushi colour can shift under UV)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eStore in a cool, ventilated place — preferably back inside the tomobako with the paper wrap\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA faint urushi scent from long box storage is normal for older lacquerware. Leaving the bowls in a dry rice container (米櫃) for several days will absorb any residual aroma, per the original Wajima association pamphlet's care notes.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout ZenKiln\u003c\/strong\u003e — A Japan-based curator connecting international collectors with Japan's artisan ceramic tradition. We work closely with the kilns, workshops, and makers featured in our shop — each one disclosed in our About section — and hand-pack every piece in Japan for safe delivery worldwide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e📦 Ships from Japan, hand-packed for safe delivery. Antique pieces are wrapped in their original tomobako and paper wrap, then double-boxed with archival-grade cushioning. Insurance for the full sale value is recommended on all antique orders and is included by default on orders over $250.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ZenKiln","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47698352668902,"sku":"ZK-LWR-WAJIMA-MEOTO-1985-001","price":278.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0779\/5392\/5350\/files\/DSC09208.webp?v=1779293416"}],"url":"https:\/\/zen-kiln.com\/en-ca\/collections\/antique-urushi-lacquerware.oembed","provider":"ZenKiln","version":"1.0","type":"link"}