Dish, Tray, Serving tray, Platter - Kamakura-bori 鎌倉彫 carving technique - Lacquered wood - Chinese landscape - Carved seal ‘Ôbun’ 王文 - Very large dark red-brown lacquered wooden sake serving tray with carved Chinese landscape design. - Japan - Meiji 6...

Very large (ø 49. 5 cm !) Japanese dark brown lacquered wooden bowl executed in Kamakura-bori 鎌倉彫 carving- lacquer technique raised by three legs, for serving sake 酒 at drinking parties 酒宴 (shuen) .

At its centre, this piece features a hand-carved relief design in the wood of a Chinese mountain landscape.
A small traditional thatched house is nestled at the base of a large mountain range. Next to a large ancient pine tree 松 (matsu) and a meandering river. In the round window of the house stands a figure, looking towards another person approaching.
The edge of the dish with a motif of stylized bats and swirling clouds.

Carved seal at the bottom side: ‘Ôbun’ 王文.

Complete with original wooden tomobako 供箱 (storage box) with a dated inscription: ‘A blessed day, in the first month of the sixth year of the Meiji period’ 明治六年子一月禎日, Anno 1873.

In a good original with small rim chips, and lacquer loss of the legs. Please look at the photos for a condition reference.

Dimensions:
Height 9 cm, Diameter 49. 5 cm.

Kamakura-bori is a unique lacquerware art form originating from Kamakura, Japan. It involves carving intricate patterns into wood, layering it with lacquer, and then polishing the surface. During the Kamakura period, Japanese craftsmen developed this technique as an alternative to the Chinese method of depositing and carving lacquer. The method was devised by skilled sculptors Kōun or Kōen to efficiently produce Buddhist altar fittings with the appearance of carved lacquer. Over time, Kamakura-bori found diverse applications, serving as boxes, stands, plates, and other daily necessities.

When shipped we will add a certificate of authenticity.