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Japanese lacquer has been a part of the country’s tradition from its earliest history, more than 6000 years! Artisans in Japan are recognized the world over as having brought the art of lacquer to its aesthetic and technical zenith.

Japanese lacquer originates at sap from the urushi tree. After a long period of aging and processing it can be applied using many methods and on countless forms and surfaces. These include Japanese tea items, boxes, bottles, Japanese tansu and furniture, Japanese butsudan shrines and altars, Japanese lamps and lanterns, Japanese combs, hair ornaments and personal accessories of all kinds as well as room interiors.

The methods of application are many and varied, such as makie, hira-makie, taka-makie and nashiji. Types of Japanese lacquer include tsuishu, kanakura-bori, negora and raden.

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Japanese Suzuribako, Handcarved Writing Box
Japanese Suzuribako, Handcarved Writing Box - JM8X912
Our Price: $3,995.00
Sale Price: $3,196.00

 Extraordinary Japanese handcarved hardwood suzuri-bako writing box, late Edo period, c. 1800-1868. Striking, deeply carved rendering of Japanese myth on richly grained ground.  Inside is a well-worn suzuri inkstone with rare inset suiteki (water dropper) as well as calligraphy brush.  Obviously a well-loved and utilized piece! Very good condition, lid does not fit precisely.  Dimensions: 2.25” x 11” x 7.75”.
Japanese Lacquer Inro, Samurai Carrying Case
Japanese Lacquer Inro, Samurai Carrying Case - JM8X92
Our Price: $2,995.00
Sale Price: $2,396.00

Remarkable Japanese black-and-gold lacquer inro, Meiji period, 1868-1912.  Splendid detailing and stunning craftsmanship.  Lush gold on gold-speckled black lacquer for an elegant, refined effect.  Beautifully rendered motif of campfire gathering beneath maple tree.   Reverse shows solitary rake in autumn setting. The inro, a small set of decorative lacquered containers traditionally used to carry pills, ink, seals and other necessities, was worn at the belt of the traditional Japanese costume. Signed Matsu Shige Sai.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  2.75” x 3.25”.
Japanese Ikebana Vase, Kiri with Lacquer
Japanese Ikebana Vase, Kiri Wood with Lacquer - JK8S206
Our Price: $395.00
Sale Price: $316.00

Elegant Japanese ikebana vase used in tea ceremony for subtle flower arrangement, early 20th century. Rich, smoothly carved natural kiri (paulownia) wood. Beautiful curved shape and charming lacquer bamboo motif.  Useful copper insert.  Ideal for orchid plants or dramatic flower display.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  12” x 5”.
Japanese Lacquer Natsume, Gold Maki-e
Japanese Lacquer Natsume, Rare White with Gold Maki-e - JI8S2620
Our Price: $4,995.00

Glorious Japanese lacquer natsume for the tea ceremony by master lacquer artist Shunsai, contemporary.  Exceptional motif includes tools of the gods and mythical symbols in finely rendered, richly applied gold maki-e lacquer against white ground.  Beautifully conceived and skillfully crafted.   Very good condition.  Dimensions:  3” x 2.75” (8 x 8 cm).
Japanese Lacquer Kogo, Rimpa-Style Incense Box
Japanese Lacquer Kogo, Rimpa-Style Maki-e Incense Box - JI8S2621
Our Price: $2,295.00

Inspired Japanese lacquer kogo or incense storage box, contemporary.  Subtely rendered uchiwa gata autumn flower motif in Rimpa style. Enchanting fan shape with gold maki-e and mother-of-pearl inlay. Exceptionally well conceived and detailed by renowned lacquer artist Shunsai.  Traditionally for tea ceremony use.  .  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  2.5” x 2” x .5” (6 x 5 x .25 cm).
Japanese Lacquer Tea Ceremony Natsume
Japanese Lacquer Tea Ceremony Natsume - JI8S2610
Our Price: $2,795.00

Fabulous Japanese Negoro lacquer natsume or caddy for the tea ceremony by master lacquer artist Shunsai Maehata, contemporary.  Exceptional example of Negoro technique which originated in a temple in Kishu with an emphasis on utility and durability.  Beautifully conceived and skillfully crafted.  Comes with kiri wood tomobako storage box.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  3.25” x 2.75” (8 x 6 cm).
Japanese Lacquer Kogo Incense Box
Japanese Lacquer Kogo Incense Storage Box - JI8S2619
Our Price: $3,295.00

Enchanting Japanese lacquer kogo or incense storage box, contemporary.  Subtley rendered with raised gold and silver maki-e floral motif in whimsical form of water pail. Exceptionally well-conceived and detailed by renowned artist Shunsai.  Traditionally for tea ceremony use.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  2.75” x 2.5” (7 x 6 cm).
Japanese Lacquer Writing Box, Maki-e Suzuri-Bako
Japanese Lacquer Writing Box, Maki-e Suzuri-Bako - JI8S261
Our Price: $6,995.00

Exceptional Japanese lacquer suzuri-bako writing box by Uematsu Hobi, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912. The artist is renowned as one of the best Japanese maki-e artists of the 9th century.  In this example, a sublime butterfly motif is featured in richly applied gold with mother-of-pearl inlay.  Inside are are removable suzuri inkstone and suiteki (water dropper).  Comes with original wood storage box.  A remarkable piece by a famed artisan.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  1.5” x 8” x 4.5” (5 x 20 x 12 cm).
Japanese Lacquer Suzuri-Bako, Writing Box
Japanese Lacquer Suzuri-Bako, Writing Box with Thunder God - JI8S262
Our Price: $6,995.00

Extraordinarily rare Japanese lacquer suzuri-bako writing box, late Edo period, c. 1800-1868.   From the collection of Oogi Rodou (1863-1941), a connoisseur of Japanese art and architecture, who served as advisor and consultant to Matsunaga Jian and other famous collectors.  The exceptional artwork features a humorous rendering of Raijin, the thunder god, reaching from the sky for for his drum.  The interior is designed as an autumn scheme with suzuri stone in the shape of a gourd and the remarkable suiteki representing edamame with maki-e and mother-of-pearl inlay.  A stunning example of the Japanese aesthetic!   Comes with original wood storage box.   Very good condition.  Dimensions:  2.5” x 11.5” x 8.5” (7 x 28 x 21 cm).
Japanese Lacquer Writing Box, Suzuri-Bako
Japanese Lacquer Writing Box, Suzuri-Bako with Butterflies - JI8S263
Our Price: $4,995.00

Enchanting Japanese lacquer suzuri-bako writing box, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912. Gorgeous maki-e flower and butterfly motif inlaid with mother-of-pearl.  Inside are are removable suzuri inkstone and suiteki (water dropper).  Comes with original wood storage box.  A remarkable old piece in very good condition.  Dimensions:  1” x 7.75” x 5.75” (2.5 x 30 x 15 cm).
Japanese Lacquer Natsume, Tea Ceremony
Japanese Lacquer Natsume, Tea Ceremony Caddy - JI8S264
Our Price: $4,995.00

Outstanding Japanese lacquer natsume for the tea ceremony by master lacquer artist Ippyosai, mid-20th century.  Exceptional chrysanthemum motif in the style of Fubuki.  A stunning combination of representational and geometric patterning.  The inside lid has Kaou, the seal of Houunsai, 15th grand tea master of the Urasenke foundation.   Beautifully conceived and skillfully crafted.  Comes with kiri wood tomobako storage box.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  3” x 2.75” (8 x 6 cm).
Japanese Lacquer Kogo, Incense Box
Japanese Lacquer Kogo, Incense Box for Tea Ceremony - JI8S265
Our Price: $3,995.00

Superb Japanese lacquer kogo for storage of incense used during the tea ceremony, late Edo period, c. 1800-1868. A brilliant example of older maki-e finely rendered in rich gold and silver using varied techniques.  Beautifully conceived and skillfully crafted.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  3” x 3.25” square.
Japanese Lacquer Display or Sutra Stand
Japanese Lacquer Display or Sutra Stand - JC8S2651
Our Price: $1,295.00

Stunning Japanese red, black and gold lacquer display stand, Taisho period, c. 1912-1926.  Exquisite design features scroll-edge feet and delicate gold patterning.  An unusually refined and substantial old piece.  Great for home shrine, doll or ikebana display or simply stunning on its own.  Very good condition. Dimensions:  7” x 19.5” x 11” (18 x 51 x 28 cm).
Japanese Lacquer Natsume, Applique
Japanese Lacquer Natsume with Applique Décor - JC8S2635
Our Price: $495.00

Extraordinary Japanese lacquer and appliqué natsume tea caddy for the tea ceremony, early-mid 20th century. Gorgeous floral motif featuring against rich red ground.  Finely conceived and skillfully rendered.  Comes with kiri wood storage box. Very good condition.  Dimensions:  3” x 3” (7.5 x 7.5 cm).
Japanese Lacquer Tray, Negoro Kamakura
Japanese Lacquer Tray, Negoro Kamakura - JC8S2640
Our Price: $495.00

Large Japanese Kamakura Negoro lacquer kimono tray, Taisho Era, c. 1920. From the Kamakura area, so well know for intricate wood-carving techniques. A lovely item traditionally used for kimono presentation, perfect for use or display.  Very good condition. Dimensions:  3” x 24” x 15.5” (8 x 61 x 40 cm).
Japanese Tray, Negoro Kamakura Lacquer
Japanese Tray, Negoro Kamakura Lacquer - JC8S2640A
Our Price: $495.00

Impressive Japanese Kamakura Negoro lacquer kimono tray, Taisho Era, c. 1920. From the Kamakura area, so well know for intricate wood-carving techniques. A beautiful item traditionally used for kimono presentation, perfect for use or display.  Very good condition. Very good condition. Dimensions:  3” x 23” x 14.5” (8 x 58.5 x 38 cm).
Pair Japanese Lacquer Trays, Tsugaru
Pair Japanese Lacquer Trays, Tsugaru - JC8S2641
Our Price: $695.00

Spectacular pair Japanese tsugaru lacquer kimono trays, Taisho Era, c. 1920. Exceptional lacquer technique accomplished by application of various colors in drips and patches and the introduction of tiny pieces of mother-of-pearl. The layers pile up, producing a marbled strata that is then sanded smooth, revealing a stunning mosaic. A beautiful pair traditionally used for kimono presentation, but today perfect for many uses.  Very good condition. Dimensions:  3.5” x 24” x 16”;  3.5” x 22.75” x 14.75” (10 x 61 x 41; 10 x 58 x 38 cm).
Japanese Lacquer Box with Tray
Japanese Lacquer Box with Tray - JC8S2642
Our Price: $2,495.00

Inspired Japanese Negoro and maki-e lacquer box with tray, Meiji-Taisho period, c. 1910. Gorgeous full moon motif in abundant, delicately applied gold with subtle grasses in foreground.  Traditional Negoro lacquer technique in frames of both box and tray.  An exceptional piece, sublimely conceived, remarkably rendered.  Comes with kiri wood storage box.  Very good condition. Dimensions:  6.5” x 11” square (box); 2” x 14.5” square (tray) (18 x 28 cm; 5 x 38 cm).
Japanese Lacquer, Negoro Letter Box
Japanese Lacquer, Negoro Letter Box - JC8S2643
Our Price: $995.00

Remarkable Japanese red Kamakura-carved Negoro lacquer letter box, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912.  Fantastic, finely rendered chrysanthemum motif throughout.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  4” x 12” x 9” (10 x 30.5 x 23 cm).
Japanese Lacquer Okimono Sweets Container
Japanese Lacquer Okimono Sweets Container - JC8S2649
Our Price: $995.00

Wonderful Japanese wood and lacquer kashi bachi sweets container, early 20th century. Beautiful fish shape with highly detailed carving and striking red, black and cream finish. A charming item for the tea ceremony practitioner or enthusiast, but perfect for any occasion.  Very good condition. Dimensions:  3.5” x 15.5” x 8” (10 x 40 x 20 cm).
Japanese Lacquer Bento Stacked Lunch Box
Japanese Lacquer Bento Stacked Lunch Box - JC8S2650
Our Price: $995.00

Excellent Japanese tsugaru and negoro lacquer stacked lunch box, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912.  Traditional stacked form with handle for carrying.  Fine Negoro lacquer on some elements and exceptional tsugaru technique on others, accomplished by application of various colors in drips and patches and the introduction of tiny pieces of mother-of-pearl. The layers pile up, producing a marbled strata that is then sanded smooth, revealing a stunning mosaic. Comes with kiri wood storage box.  Very good condition with minor wear due to age and use.  Dimensions:  10” x 6” square (25.5 x 15 cm).
Japanese Lacquer Tea Ceremony Plate
Japanese Lacquer Tea Ceremony Plate - JJ88252
Our Price: $395.00

Excellent Japanese lacquer and wood sweets plates for the tea ceremony, Taisho period, c. 1912-1926.  Finely conceived and beautifully rendered peony motif in vivid gold and red.  Bamboo-like trim an especially charming touch!  Very good condition.  Diameter:  2” high, 7.5” diameter.
Japanese Lacquer Bento Lunch Box
Japanese Lacquer Bento Lunch Box - JJ88258
Our Price: $395.00

Wonderful Japanese lacquer bento lunch box, early 20th century.  Traditionally used to store food during holidays when there was no cooking. Two layers in rice bag form with poem and maple leaves. Rich red lacquer throughout. Very good condition. Dimensions:  3.5” x 8”.
Japanese Negoro Lacquer Tea Tray, Noh Mask
Japanese Lacquer Tea Tray, Negoro Carved Noh Mask - JJ88259
Our Price: $295.00

Fine Japanese Negoro lacquer tea ceremony tray, early-mid 20th century. From the Kamakura area, so well know for intricate wood-carving techniques. Great care and detailing.  Features Okina Noh mask.  Very good condition. Dimensions:  2.5” high, 14” diameter.
Japanese Lacquer Bento Jubako
Japanese Lacquer Bento Jubako Lunch Box - jj8841
Our Price: $395.00

Highly detailed Japanese lacquer bento or jubako stacking lunch box set, Taisho period, c. 1912-1926.  Traditionally used to store food during holidays when there was no cooking. Four layers featuring enchanting, finely rendered motif with intricate patterning throughout.  Abundant, vibrant and varied colors on exterior, glossy black interior. A fabulous lacquer collector’s item for display or practical use as storage container for keepsakes. Very good condition. Dimensions:  9.5” high, 7” square.
Japanese Lacquer Tea Natsume, Maki-e
Japanese Lacquer Tea Natsume, Maki-e Caddy - JJ87272
Our Price: $895.00
Sale Price: $716.00

Extraordinary Japanese hira maki-e lacquer natsume for the tea ceremony, Meiji period, c. 1868-1912.  Gorgeous floral motif featuring kiri (paulownia) leaf and chrysanthemum in gold and red lacquer again rich black ground.  Finely conceived and skillfully rendered.  Comes with inscribed kiri wood storage box as well as silk shifuku case.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  2.5” x 2.5”.
Japanese Lacquer Tea Tray, Maki-e
Japanese Lacquer Tea Tray, Maki-e - JJ87274
Our Price: $695.00
Sale Price: $556.00

Stunning Japanese maki-e lacquer tray, early-mid 20th century.  Delicate rendering floral motif in brilliant gold against rich, glossy black ground.  Remarkable care and detailing.  An extraordinary and truly eye-catching piece. Very good condition.  Dimensions:  17.5” x 11.5” x 1”.
Japanese Lacquer Box, Maki-e Fubako
Japanese Lacquer Box, Maki-e Fubako, Meiji - JJ87281
Our Price: $895.00
Sale Price: $716.00

Marvelous Japanese black lacquer box, early- to mid-20th century.  Exquisite form elegantly handpainted in rich and abundant gold and silver against glossy black ground.  Charming pink accents add whimsy.  Exceptional attention to detail and wonderful overall impression.  Very good condition with some loss on interior commensurate with age and use.  Dimensions:
Japanese Lacquer Bento, Tsugaru Lunch Box
Japanese Lacquer Bento, Tsugaru Stacked Lunch Box - JC8MY318
Our Price: $695.00

Excellent Japanese tsugaru lacquer stacked lunch box, early 20th century. Traditional stacked form with handle for carrying.  Exceptional technique accomplished by application of various colors in drips and patches and the introduction of tiny pieces of mother-of-pearl. The layers pile up, producing a marbled strata that is then sanded smooth, revealing a stunning mosaic. Very good condition with minor wear due to age and use.  Dimensions:  12” x 8” x 7”.
Japanese Lacquer Box, Kamakura Negoro Lacquer
Japanese Lacquer Box, Kamakura Negoro Lacquer - JC8MY319
Our Price: $495.00

Fabulous Japanese red Kamakura-carved Negoro lacquer letter box, Taisho period, c. 1912-1926. Dramatic, finely rendered peony motif.  Very good condition.  Dimensions:  5” x 12” x 9.5”.
   
 
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