A 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 和歌山県 海南市 黒江 — the Kuroe district of Kainan, Wakayama, one of Japan's three major lacquerware regions, METI-designated Traditional Craft since 1978. Originally retailed at ¥100,000 JPY 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.
Specifications
- Form: 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
- Material: wood-based urushi 漆 (Japanese lacquer); deep 溜塗 (tame-nuri) translucent red-black finish
- Pattern: 16-petal 菊紋 (kikumon / chrysanthemum crest) in gold, centered on each plate
- Era: 昭和時期 (Shōwa, 1926–1989) — broad user-attested band; specific year not yet narrowed
- Original retail (Shōwa period, user-attested): ¥100,000 JPY
- Plate diameter: ~13 cm (5.1") per plate
- Plate height: ~1.0–1.5 cm estimated (will be confirmed before dispatch)
- Quantity: 5 plates per set (五客揃)
- Foot mark / maker signature: not yet documented — additional photo of plate underside available on request
- Included 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
- Made by an unnamed Kishū-shikki / Kishū lacquerware artisan in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, curated by ZenKiln
About Kishū-shikki / 紀州漆器 (Kuroe-nuri tradition)
Kishū-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.
About the kikumon motif & the 菊紋入り commemorative category
The 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.
The original consignor describes this set as 「皇室御用」（historical record） (Imperial Household associated) and 「謹製」 (respectfully made). We 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, 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.
Use & Care (urushi lacquerware specific)
Per Kishū-shikki traditional-craft care standards (and the enclosed yellow 取扱説明書 instruction manual): urushi lacquerware is NOT microwave-safe, NOT dishwasher-safe, NOT oven-safe, and must not be soaked. 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.
Gifting & Presentation (5-piece commemorative format)
The 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.
Shipping & Returns (Antique Line)
This 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.
About ZenKiln
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.
📦 Ships from Japan, hand-packed for safe delivery.
