Table Tray (Tsuigasane)

Japan

Not on view

In the medieval period, Negoro vessels were used primarily by monks residing in Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, but aristocrats and high-ranking warriors also used them. Negoro ware is characterized by its strong wooden core, functional form, and the layered application of black and red lacquer. Over years of use, the uppermost layer of red lacquer rubs off and the underlying black layer becomes visible. Table trays (tsuigasane) are used in Shinto shrines to hold the rice that is tossed to drive away evil, part of the “rice-throwing” ceremony.

Table Tray (Tsuigasane), Wood with black and red lacquer layers (Negoro ware), Japan

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.