Vintage Japanese Boxed Plates, 1930s, Set of 11

Details

Description

(10) Boxed plates, urushi-e lacquer, Showa period, 20th century - Japan
Material: Urushi-e lacquer, wood
Period: 20th century, Showa period … Read more (10) Boxed plates, urushi-e lacquer, Showa period, 20th century - Japan
Material: Urushi-e lacquer, wood
Period: 20th century, Showa period (1926-1989)
Country of origin: Japan
Damage to the box lid, as shown in the images. Plates in good condition for their age and use.
Dimensions:
(10) Plates: 0.75 x 10.5 x 10.5 cm.
(1) Box: 7.5 x 12 x 12 cm.

Magnificent set of 10 boxed plates decorated with Japanese urushi lacquer, belonging to the Showa period, 20th century.
The gilded designs are crafted using the maki-e technique, displaying delicate plant motifs of reeds on the plates, while the box lid is adorned with a bird perched on a flowering branch, both recurring symbols in Japanese aesthetics. These designs are executed in an elegant gold tone on reddish lacquer, the result of the maki-e technique, which consists of sprinkling gold powder onto fresh lacquer placed in the shape of the desired design. A small impact is visible on the box lid.
More about urushi-e
Urushi-e, known in the West as Japanese urushi lacquer, actually emerged far from Japan. It originated, like many other Japanese artistic techniques, in the ancient Chinese empire. The birth of this practice dates back to the 7th century AD. Its plasticity and spectacular finishes caused a sensation, and its use quickly spread throughout Asia. When Europeans discovered it, they fell prey to the Asian influence, and the Orientalist movement swept through the most influential courts. After decades of disuse and being relegated to the display cases of decorative arts museums, this ancient technique is making a comeback with renewed vigor. Furthermore, the lacquer process is very meticulous, slow, and complex, making these objects truly valuable. See less