Vintage Japanese Lacquer Bowl (Shikki), Showa era, 1966-1989 | SKU: 26M-142-3

Vintage Japanese Lacquer Bowl (Shikki), Showa era, 1966-1989 | SKU: 26M-142-3

A beautifully turned wooden bowl finished in deep urushi lacquer -- a timeless expression of Japanese craft and wabi-sabi aesthetic.

A lacquer bowl of this type is known in Japan as a shikki or nurimono -- a turned wooden vessel coated in urushi, the traditional Japanese lacquer derived from the sap of the urushi tree. This example displays a striking two-tone finish: the exterior carries a deep, matte near-black lacquer, while the interior glows with a rich, polished dark-red reminiscent of classic negoro-nuri technique, where a red undercoat is revealed through the wearing of a black top coat. The turned rings visible on the exterior indicate skilled woodturning on a lathe, a hallmark of vintage Japanese shikki production. The wide, gently flared rim, smooth interior surface, and compact foot ring all point to careful handcraftsmanship consistent with mid-to-late Showa workshop production -- a period when regional lacquerware centers across Japan maintained high standards of handcrafted Japanese tableware.

In a modern home, this vintage Japanese lacquer bowl is as versatile as it is beautiful. Its generous opening and stable base make it a natural fruit bowl or bread basket on a dining table, adding warmth and depth to a Japandi style or minimalist decor setting. Displayed on a shelf, sideboard, or coffee table, it serves equally well as a living room accent piece -- a sculptural object that draws the eye with its lustrous interior. It also makes a thoughtful and unique gift for collectors of Japanese vintage tableware or as a housewarming gift for anyone who appreciates handcrafted Japanese craft. The bowl's deep tones pair beautifully with natural linen, stone, and raw wood surfaces.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Turned wood with urushi lacquer finish -- deep matte black exterior, polished dark-red interior
• Use: Traditional Japanese lacquerware serving bowl (shikki / nurimono); used for rice, soup, fruit, or decorative display
• Modern Use: Fruit bowl or bread basket for the dining table; decorative display piece for living room or sideboard; unique gift for collectors of vintage Japanese craft
• Features: Wide flared rim with visible lathe-turned ring detail on exterior; high-gloss polished interior in deep red-brown; matte black exterior finish; compact recessed foot ring; two-tone negoro-nuri-style appearance
• Dimensions: 11" Diameter x 4"H
• Condition: Excellent

A refined piece of vintage Japanese lacquerware that brings the quiet elegance of traditional shikki craft 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.