Vintage Japanese Wajima-nuri Ro-buchi Lacquer Hearth Frame, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0590

Vintage Japanese Wajima-nuri Ro buchi Lacquer Hearth Frame, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0590

A high-quality Wajima-nuri lacquer robuchi -- the elegant sunken hearth frame at the heart of the Japanese tea ceremony.

A ro-buchi is the lacquered wooden frame set flush around the ro, the square sunken charcoal hearth used during the winter season of Japanese tea ceremony (chado). In a formal tatami tea room, the ro-buchi defines the boundary between host and fire, and its appearance is considered an expression of refined taste. This example is finished in classic deep black urushi lacquer attributed to the Wajima-nuri tradition of Ishikawa Prefecture -- one of Japan's most celebrated lacquerware lineages, known for its multiple-coat technique and exceptional durability. The lacquer surface is mirror-smooth and unblemished, with crisp mitered corners and a restrained profile that embodies the wabi-sabi aesthetic of chado. The signed paulownia (kiri) storage box is inscribed with "Wajima-nuri" and "ro-buchi" and carries an artist seal, indicating this piece was made by a named craftsman. A saffron-yellow silk wrapping cloth (shifuku) is included, consistent with careful, traditional storage of fine tea ceremony lacquerware.

Beyond its ceremonial role, this ro-buchi makes a striking decorative accent in a modern living room or home office. Laid flat, its open-center square form and mirror-black lacquer surface create a bold display platform -- ideal as a sculptural tray on a low table, a Japandi-style riser for a ceramic vase or stone sculpture, or a minimalist wall-mount art object in its own right. Collectors and interior designers drawn to Japanese vintage craft will appreciate the depth of its provenance: the signed kiri box and silk cloth transform this into a complete presentation set, making it an exceptional gift for collectors or a centerpiece for any curated living space.

• Origin: Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Wood with multi-coat Wajima-nuri black urushi lacquer finish; signed kiri (paulownia) storage box; yellow silk wrapping cloth included
• Use: Ro-buchi -- lacquered frame for the sunken charcoal hearth (ro) used in the winter season of Japanese tea ceremony (chado)
• Modern Use: Decorative display tray or sculptural riser for ceramics in a living room or home office; Japandi-style accent piece or low table centerpiece; wall-mounted art object for minimalist decor
• Features: Deep mirror-black urushi lacquer, flawless mitered corners, open square center; complete with signed kiri wood tomobako (storage box) inscribed "Wajima-nuri / ro-buchi" with artist seal, and original yellow silk wrapping cloth
• Dimensions: 17"W x 17"D x 2 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and complete example of vintage Japanese lacquerware craft -- a Wajima-nuri ro-buchi that brings the serene beauty of chado into 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 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.