Vintage Japanese Lacquered Calligraphy Brush Tray (Fude-Zara), Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26M-147

Vintage Japanese Lacquered Calligraphy Brush Tray (Fude-zara), Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26M-147

A handcrafted lacquered writing tray with removable brush rest and ink panel -- a striking piece of vintage Japanese craft.

A fude-zara, or brush tray, is a traditional Japanese writing accessory designed to keep calligraphy brushes, ink stones, and writing tools neatly organized at the scholar's desk. This Late Showa example is constructed from a richly grained hardwood -- likely keyaki (zelkova) or a similar species -- finished in a warm vermilion-red lacquer on the exterior, with black lacquer lining the interior walls and base. The tray features two removable inserts: a smooth flat black-lacquered panel that would have served as a resting surface for an ink stone or small suzuri (inkstone), and a slatted black-lacquered brush rack with evenly spaced parallel ribs designed to hold multiple brushes at a slight angle, keeping their tips raised and undamaged. The exterior walls taper gently outward from the footed base, giving the piece an elegant, architectural profile typical of quality Japanese vintage craft from the period.

In a modern home, this versatile tray translates beautifully beyond its original purpose. On a home office desk, it makes an exceptional desk organizer -- the slatted rack holds pens, pencils, or styluses upright while the flat panel corrals a phone, notepad, or small items. Styled on a vanity or bathroom shelf, the lacquered tray brings a wabi-sabi aesthetic to everyday objects like brushes, combs, or perfume bottles. It also works as a refined living room accent tray on a coffee table or sideboard, displaying small sculptural objects or candles. A thoughtful housewarming gift for design lovers or collectors of Japandi style interiors.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Hardwood (possibly keyaki/zelkova), red and black lacquer finish
• Use: Calligraphy desk tray -- originally used to organize brushes, ink stones, and writing tools
• Modern Use: Desktop pen and brush organizer; vanity or bathroom tray for grooming tools; living room accent display tray for small objects or candles
• Features: Two removable inner inserts -- a flat black-lacquered panel and a slatted brush rack with parallel ribs; red lacquer exterior with black-lacquered interior; gently tapered walls; low footed base; compact rectangular form
• Dimensions: 19"W x 11"D x 3"H
• Condition: Good vintage condition; light wear to lacquer consistent with age and use, natural patina throughout

A beautifully functional piece of vintage Japanese craft that brings the calm discipline of the scholar's desk into any modern living or working space.

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 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.