Display stand 台 (dai) - Lacquered wood - Stunning large negoro-style lacquer display stand on scroll-shaped feet. - Japan - Taishō period (1912-1926)

Charming large and heavy red and black negoro-style lacquer display stand 台 (dai) on scroll-shaped feet. The top is slightly raised, forming a small edge at the base of the legs. The intentional ‘worn’-design on the surface creates a beautiful spontaneous pattern. The display is remarkably heavy for its kind, which is a good sign of its quality. The stand is in a very good condition. Height 10. 6 cm, Width 66 cm, Depth 36. 4 cm. Lacquerware with an undercoat of black lacquer covered by a coat of red lacquer or vice versa came to be known as “negoro”. This appellation originates from Negoro-ji, a temple in Kishu domain (now Wakayama Prefecture) during the prosperous 14th century, were priests made vessels for food and drink offerings to the gods and buddhas. In 1585 the temple was set to flames and the artisans who escaped purportedly spread the lacquer technique of negoro to various parts of Japan. Daily tableware, tea utensils, recipiënts, stationary … were lacquered in negoro-nuri. After long years of use, the red lacquer on the surface of negoro ware wore away to reveal a black layer underneath. (From S akurafountainpengallery. com)