Vintage Japanese Fan-Shaped Lacquer Obon Tray, Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0736

Vintage Japanese Fan-Shaped Lacquer Obon Tray, Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0736

A striking fan-shaped lacquered serving tray in deep red urushi, hand-painted with flowing cloud motifs in gold, green, and black -- comes with its original inscribed wooden storage box.

An obon is a traditional Japanese serving tray used to present food, tea, or ceremonial offerings with grace and formality. This ougi (fan-shaped) obon is a particularly refined example of vintage Japanese lacquerware craft, shaped to evoke the ougi -- a classical symbol of good fortune and auspicious new beginnings in Japanese culture. The surface is finished in a deep cinnabar-red lacquer that allows the bold, swirling grain of the keyaki (zelkova) wood beneath to show through, giving the piece a rich, living texture unique to each board. The front face is adorned with a flowing cloud or mist motif -- rendered in layered gold, forest green, and black -- sweeping across the lower left of the tray with fluid, calligraphic energy. The reverse shows the plain red-lacquered wood panels with visible joins, evidence of skilled hand construction. The tray rests with a slight natural curve, and the piece comes accompanied by a brushed-ink inscribed wooden storage box, a hallmark of a named or exhibition-quality Japanese vintage craft item.

In a modern home, this handcrafted Japanese lacquerware tray is as much art object as functional piece. Prop it upright on a mantelpiece, console table, or floating shelf as a bold living room accent -- its fan silhouette and jewel-toned decoration read beautifully as wall-adjacent display art in a Japandi style or wabi-sabi aesthetic interior. Lay it flat as a decorative catchall on an entryway table or bedroom dresser to corral jewelry, keys, or small objects with understated elegance. It also makes a truly unique housewarming gift or gift for collectors of Japanese vintage furniture and decorative arts -- a piece with genuine provenance, presented in its original storage box.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: Keyaki (zelkova) wood with red urushi lacquer; polychrome painted decoration in gold, green, and black
• Use: Formal or ceremonial serving tray (obon); decorative display piece
• Modern Use: Decorative wall or shelf display; entryway or dresser catchall tray; statement living room accent in Japandi or minimalist decor
• Features: Fan (ougi) form with gracefully curved silhouette; deep red lacquer finish with prominent keyaki wood grain visible through surface; flowing cloud motif painted in layered gold, forest green, and black on front face; plain red lacquer reverse with visible panel joins; slight natural curve to the board; accompanied by an inscribed wooden storage box
• Dimensions: 15"W x 8 1/4"D x 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and collectible piece of vintage Japanese lacquerware that brings the elegance of traditional craft and the warmth of cinnabar red into any modern interior.

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.