Vintage Japanese Lacquer Tray (Nuri-bon), Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0219-3

Vintage Japanese Lacquer Tray (Nuri-bon), Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0219-3

A striking square lacquerware tray with a tortoiseshell-like amber and dark brown finish -- presented in its original box.

A lacquer serving tray, known in Japan as a shikki-bon or nuri-bon, is a flat wooden tray coated in decorative lacquer and used to present tea, sweets, or small dishes to guests with care and elegance. This vintage Japanese lacquer tray features a bold, almost painterly surface finish -- deep mahogany brown layered with cascading streaks and pooled drops of warm amber and russet, producing an effect reminiscent of bekko (tortoiseshell) patterning. The square form with generously rounded corners and a shallow, gently raised rim is characteristic of mid-to-late Showa craftsmanship, when Japanese lacquerware production blended traditional aesthetics with more accessible finishes. The glossy, high-sheen coating catches light dramatically, revealing shifting tones of copper, gold, and dark chocolate across the surface. Original box included -- a desirable feature for collectors of vintage Japanese craft.

In a modern home, this tray is as versatile as it is beautiful. Use it as a living room accent to corral candles, a small vase, and a decorative object on a coffee table, or style it as a bedroom decor tray on a dresser to hold jewelry, perfume, and daily essentials. Its warm tortoiseshell tones pair naturally with Japandi style interiors and wabi-sabi aesthetic spaces that celebrate natural materials and artful imperfection. The compact square footprint also makes it a refined bar tray or a display surface for a small ikebana arrangement. A thoughtful housewarming gift or a striking find for collectors of Japanese vintage furniture and lacquerware.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Wood core with decorative lacquer finish; amber and dark brown tortoiseshell-style surface, possibly bekko-nuri inspired; high-gloss coating throughout
• Use: Serving tea, sweets, or light refreshments; presentation tray for guests
• Modern Use: Coffee table decorative accent tray; bedroom dresser organizer for jewelry and accessories; bar tray or ikebana display surface
• Features: Square form with rounded corners; shallow raised rim; striking streaked amber-over-dark finish with tortoiseshell-like patterning; high-gloss lacquer surface; original box included
• Dimensions: 12"W x 12 1/2"D x 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A luminous piece of vintage Japanese lacquerware that brings warmth, artistry, and quiet drama to 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.