Vintage Japanese Lacquerware Footed Dish, Tortoiseshell Urushi Marbling, Late Showa (1966-1989) | SKU: 26M-142-1

Vintage Japanese Lacquerware Footed Dish, Tortoiseshell Urushi Marbling, Late Showa (1966-1989) | SKU: 26M-142-1

A striking footed lacquerware dish adorned with a swirling tortoiseshell urushi pattern in deep crimson, amber, and midnight black.

A urushi-nuri tray bowl is a traditional Japanese lacquerware vessel formed over a wooden core and finished with multiple layers of urushi (lacquer), building up a glass-smooth surface of remarkable depth and durability. This wide, shallow footed dish showcases a dramatic negoro-inspired marbling technique -- layers of red and black lacquer worked into a dense, organic swirl pattern that evokes the look of tortoiseshell or flowing lava. The interior basin glows with interlocking veins of crimson, amber, and deep olive set against a near-black ground, while the exterior and foot ring are finished in a clean, mirror-polished kuro-urushi (black lacquer). This kind of handcrafted Japanese lacquerware represents a centuries-old craft tradition refined across the Showa period into boldly decorative objects intended as much for display as for use.

In a modern home, this vintage Japanese lacquer dish is as versatile as it is beautiful. Its wide, shallow form makes it an ideal living room accent piece -- displayed alone on a coffee table or console as sculptural decor in a wabi-sabi or Japandi style interior. Use it as an entryway catch-all for keys, coins, and small accessories, or arrange it as a jewelry tray on a bedroom dresser. The deep gloss and fiery patterning also make it a standout gift for collectors of Asian art and vintage Japanese craft -- a unique housewarming gift that requires no explanation and commands instant attention.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Wooden core with multiple layers of urushi lacquer; black lacquer exterior and foot ring; swirling red-and-black marbled lacquer interior
• Use: Decorative serving tray or presentation dish for confections, fruit, or ritual offerings
• Modern Use: Coffee table or console decorative bowl; entryway catch-all for keys and accessories; bedroom jewelry tray
• Features: Wide shallow basin with gently curved rolled rim; raised cylindrical foot ring; dramatic tortoiseshell urushi swirl pattern covering the full interior surface and outer rim edge; high-gloss mirror finish throughout; clean matte foot base
• Dimensions: 9 1/2" Diameter x 3"H
• Condition: Excellent

A boldly beautiful piece of vintage Japanese lacquerware that brings the depth and warmth of urushi craft into any modern living 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.