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

This listing is for a set of five Wajima lacquerware bowls made around 80-90 years ago. They are made of wood and the lids are decorated with gold makie depictions of matsu pine. Pine is a popular motif because it is one of the three friends of winter.  Matsu pine, ume and bamboo are admired in both Japan and China as they do not wither against the cold of winter.  All three plants are regarded as auspicious and are believed to symbolise endurance and strength.    Please read below regarding the condition of the bowls. 

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.

Makie refers to a crafting technique in Japan from presumably the Nara period. Craftsmen sprinkle gold or silver metal powder over successive layers of lacquer before it dries. Traditionally pure gold powder, pure gold flakes, and pure silver powder were used to complete motifs on lacquerware. The process of applying gold or silver powder requires both time and skill. At first the craftsman sketches out the design. He or she then adds charcoal powder to the base of the relief, and then a layer of urushi lacquer. Gold or silver powder is sprinkled over the wet lacquer, which acts as an adhesive. The surface is polished and then the process is repeated over and over until a beautiful raised pattern appears.

Size

H.7.4cm (2.9”) x Dia.12.2cm (4.8”) x 11.4cm (4.4”) diameter lid

Condition

One bowl has two repairs on the interior and one on the exterior, another has three repairs on the interior and three repairs on the exterior, and another bowl has one small repair on the interior and two on the exterior.  Three lids have repairs, some nicks in the lacquer plus light scratches/scuffing.  Some of the lacquer is a different colour due to fading, and the foot of one bowl has nicks.

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.