Antique Japanese Wooden Bowl, 1927 - 1945 (Early Showa) | SKU: 26M-732 (26M-732-1)

Japanese Urushi Lacquer Lidded Bowl | Decorative Accent & Jewelry Box, 1927-1945 (Early Showa), SKU 26M-732-1

A museum-quality urushi lacquerware vessel adorned with gold and silver makie cranes and phoenix clouds -- offered with its original signed wooden storage box.

A urushi-nuri (lacquerware) lidded bowl is a traditional Japanese vessel hand-coated in multiple layers of natural urushi lacquer and decorated using the makie technique, in which gold and silver powders are applied to the wet lacquer surface to create luminous imagery. This exceptional example features a dramatically domed lid finished in deep mirror-black lacquer, set against which two sweeping makie compositions unfold -- a phoenix amid billowing clouds rendered in warm gold, and a crane in flight among stylized clouds depicted in cool silver-grey, the two motifs intertwining to fill the lid with auspicious symbolism. A fine metal band trims the joining rim of lid and base, lending a refined, jewel-box quality to the overall form. The shallow, wide-rimmed base bowl is lacquered jet black inside and out, gloss-perfect and pool-like in its depth. This piece of handcrafted Japanese lacquerware represents the finest tradition of Early Showa craft, when makie artisans continued to work at the height of their skill before the disruptions of wartime.

Today this stunning antique Japanese lacquer bowl works beautifully as a living room accent or bedroom decor centerpiece -- displayed open or closed on a shelf, console, or coffee table to showcase its extraordinary makie surface. The deep-cupped base makes an elegant jewelry box or bedside catch-all for rings and small treasures, while the dramatic black-and-gold lid alone reads as sculptural art when propped or displayed face-up. The set arrives with its original handwritten wooden tomobako (storage box), which adds strong collector value and makes this a truly memorable gift for collectors, Japanophiles, or anyone who appreciates the wabi-sabi aesthetic and Japanese antique art. A rare find in such well-preserved condition.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Wooden core with multi-layer urushi (natural lacquer) finish; gold and silver makie decoration; metal trim band at rim
• Use: Lidded serving or presentation bowl; traditionally used for special-occasion foods or as a ceremonial vessel
• Modern Use: Jewelry box or bedside keepsake dish; living room or bedroom decorative accent; collector display piece
• Features: Deep domed lid in mirror-black urushi lacquer; two-tone gold and silver-grey makie motifs depicting a phoenix and a crane among auspicious clouds; fine metal rim band; glossy black lacquer interior and exterior on base bowl; comes with original handwritten tomobako (wooden storage box)
• Dimensions: 8" Diameter x 5"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and luminous piece of Japanese antique lacquerware -- where centuries of urushi craft tradition meet the timeless beauty of gold makie, ready to bring quiet elegance to any modern home.

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 vintage and 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.