Serving Tray with Angled Corners

Japan

Not on view

Probably used to hold a simple meal of rice, soup, and vegetables, this tray derives its shape from ceremonial offering trays made of pieced cypress; implements of this type have been used in Japan since the eighth century. Quotidian objects such as this one, which are made of wood covered with black and red lacquer, are treasured in Japan for the effect created over time as the black base emerges from beneath the worn red lacquer topcoat.

Serving Tray with Angled Corners, Red lacquer (Negoro ware), Japan

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.