*SHIPPING OPTIONS VARY DEPENDING ON THE DESTINATION, PLEASE SCROLL TO THE END OF THIS LISTING FOR MORE DETAILS.

This listing is for an elegant Wajima lacquerware tray crafted around 40-50 years ago by master makie artist, Mori Enoki.  It is made of wood and features a deep black lacquer surface complemented by a silver rim.  Its minimalist yet stylish form makes it perfect for serving tea, this piece not only reflects Mori’s masterful artistry but also the enduring beauty of traditional Japanese lacquerware.  It comes with its original signed wooden storage box, as well as a Japanese language profile paper about Wajima-nuri.  *The Wajima lacquer district in Noto was severely damaged during the deadly earthquake on January 1^st, 2024. A large fire tore through the area and destroyed workshops that had been in operation for hundreds of years.  The vintage pieces you find online are all but is left from a large number of workshops.

Mori Enoki (1917-199) was a highly regarded Wajima lacquerware artist and makie specialist.  In 1955 he received the highly coveted Special Selection Award at the Nitten Exhibition, and the Special Selection and Hokuto Awards at the Nitten Exhibition held in 1960. In 1979 he received the Minister of Education Award at the Japan New Crafts Exhibition, and in 1990 he received the Person of Cultural Merit from the Mayor of Ishikawa Prefecture.  Mori served as an Advisor to the Nitten Exhibition, Director of the Japan New Crafts Federation, Councillor of the Contemporary Crafts Artists Association, Advisor to the All Japan General Artists Association, Director and Advisor of the Ishikawa Prefecture Art and Culture Association, and Advisor of the Wajima City Cultural Association.  He was also a Part-time Lecturer at the Kanazawa College of Art, and an Assistant Lecturer at the Wajima City Lacquerware Technical Training Institute. **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and CANNOT be used in your own listings.

Wajima nuri refers to lacquerware produced in Ishikawa Prefecture.  The process of applying the lacquer is very complex, and there are as many as 124 steps involved.  A finely powdered mineral called jinoko is used for the undercoating making it highly resistant and strong.  Each piece has up to 8 layers of lacquer, this is the main reason why Wajima lacquerware is widely known throughout Japan for its high quality and durability.  Wajima lacquerware commands high prices so purchases are usually reserved for special occasions such as weddings and anniversaries.

Urushi lacquerware refers to products that have been coated in natural lacquer collected from urushi trees. The process for lacquering items is long and very labour intensive, each item requiring multiple layers of lacquer that may take anywhere from six months to two years to complete. Heat and humidity are required to dry lacquer evenly and consistently, so Japan’s rainy season and summer months are ideal for this process. Urushi products are not only beautiful but also strong.

Sizes

Box:  H.5cm (1.9”) x 42.6cm (16.7”) x 30.4cm (11.9”)

Tray:  H.2cm (0.7”) x L.39.5cm (15.5”) x W.27.5cm (10.8”)

Condition

It’s in very good condition aside from some minor wear such as very light scratches, wipe marks, and there’s a mark on the back which may have come from an attached label, that is just a guess though.  Also the lid of the box is a little warped and has some discolouration.

THESE ARE SHIPPING ESTIMATES BASED ON THE CURRENT GLOBAL SITUATION                                                                 

**Germany, France, Greece, Spain, Poland, Austria, Slovakia, Lithuania, Slovenia:  NO SHIPPING.  Very strict and expensive packaging laws in place and we are not licensed to send products to these countries.  We have no plan to register at this time because the process is in some cases very expensive and complicated, plus each country has its own set of regulations and application process. 

**USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway: Airmail Small Packet (approx. 15-28 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail Small Packet (please send us a message).

**Asia:  Airmail Small Packet (approx. 15-21 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail Small Packet (please send us a message).

**Central Asia, Middle East, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico:  EMS Express 10-15 days.

**Russia:  No shipping methods available.