Japanese Wabi-Sabi Wooden Oke Lid Display, 1940s

Details

Description

This round object was originally the wooden lid (futa) of a Japanese wooden rice or steaming bucket, a so-called oke/ohitsu. … Read more This round object was originally the wooden lid (futa) of a Japanese wooden rice or steaming bucket, a so-called oke/ohitsu. Turned upside down, it becomes a low, powerful pedestal with an almost sculptural presence.

Dimensions: height 10 cm, diameter 33 cm.

The thick wooden top shows a beautifully aged surface: a warm, dark honey-brown tone with subtle colour variations, traces of moisture and use, and a darker band along the outer rim. On the underside, two simple crossbars provide stability and give the piece a slightly floating look. The irregularities in the surface – small scratches, discolouration and signs of wear – emphasise its strong wabi-sabi character.

In a contemporary interior this old oke lid works perfectly as a low display table: as a pedestal for a stack of bowls, a ceramic vessel or an ikebana arrangement, but also as a stage for candles, sculptures or a small collection of objects. In a shop or gallery setting it is an ideal styling piece to present jewellery, ceramics or other items in a natural, Japanese way. See less