Antique Japanese Lacquer Wan Bowls, Matched Pair with Maki-e Decoration, Meiji 1868-1911 | SKU: 26J-0675

Antique Japanese Lacquer Wan Bowls, Matched Pair with Maki-e Decoration, Meiji 1868-1911 | SKU: 26J-0675

A matched pair of deeply lacquered maki-e bowls in classic kuro-nuri and aka-nuri, adorned with autumn momiji and gold floral motifs -- offered with their original signed wooden storage box.

A wan is a traditional Japanese lacquerware bowl used in formal dining and ceremonial settings, typically finished in urushi (natural lacquer) applied over a wood core. This matched pair exemplifies the refined craft tradition of Meiji-era Japanese antique lacquerware: each bowl is finished on the exterior with deep kuro-nuri (black lacquer) and decorated with a bold band of hand-painted motifs -- vivid red and gold momiji (Japanese maple leaves) drifting across stylized gold wave scrolls. The interior is finished in warm aka-nuri (red lacquer) and graced with delicate gold maki-e floral sprays, likely depicting botan (peony) and smaller blossoming branches, framed by a fine gold rim band. The pairing of black exterior and red interior is a hallmark of high-quality Japanese lacquerware, and the naturalistic autumn imagery reflects the seasonal aesthetic sensitivity -- called mono no aware -- central to Meiji decorative arts. The bowls are housed in their original aged wooden storage box, the lid bearing brush-written Japanese characters consistent with a formal presentation piece from this period.

Today, these handcrafted Japanese lacquer bowls translate beautifully into modern living. Display the pair side by side on a dining room sideboard or living room shelf as a striking decorative accent -- the bold black-and-red palette pairs effortlessly with Japandi style interiors and wabi-sabi aesthetic spaces. They can also serve as elegant catchall bowls on a home office desk or entryway console, holding small objects such as keys, rings, or folded notes. For collectors and Japanophiles alike, this is a rare and meaningful gift -- a genuine piece of Meiji-era Japanese antique lacquerware that brings artistry and history into everyday life.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: Meiji, circa 1868-1911
• Material: Wood core with urushi lacquer -- kuro-nuri (black) exterior, aka-nuri (red) interior; maki-e gold decoration; original wooden storage box
• Use: Formal dining or ceremonial lacquerware bowls (wan); presented as a matched pair in a storage box
• Modern Use: Living room or dining room decorative display; entryway catchall bowl for keys and small items; gift for collectors of Japanese antique lacquerware
• Features: Matched pair; deep rounded bowl form with slightly squared base; exterior decorated with red and gold momiji (maple leaves) and gold wave scroll band; interior decorated with gold maki-e floral sprays on red lacquer; fine gold rim band; original aged wooden presentation box with brush-written inscription on lid
• Dimensions: 5 1/2"Diameter x 3 3/4"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare matched pair of Meiji-era Japanese antique lacquerware -- where centuries of urushi craft tradition meet the timeless beauty of autumn in gold and red.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All antique items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.