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

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

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