Round Negoro Tray (Kōban)

Japan

Not on view

The pleasing proportions and lovely surface of this sturdy yet gracefully rounded serving piece reflect a perfection of form and refined skills in lathework and lacquering that developed over many years of production and use. A play of color where the black under layer emerges through the smooth red lacquer surface is appreciated aesthetically and prized as a mark of natural wear over time. Such large round trays were used for serving cups of tea at communal meals in temples.

Round Negoro Tray (Kōban), Lacquered wood with coatings of red lacquer over black lacquer (Negoro ware), Japan

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