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

This listing is for a splendid Wajima-nuri tray produced for Konishi Shogoro.  It is made of wood and decorated with gold and silver makie chrysanthemums over a black lacquered base.  It’s rather small in size and is ideally suited for serving a bowl of matcha along with some sweets.  It comes with its original paper storage box, as well as a Japanese language profile paper.  *PLEASE CHECK THE MEASUREMENTS CAREFULLY BEFORE ORDERING.

Konishi Shogoro is a Wajima-nuri lacquerware store established sometime around 1723 during the Edo Period.  They are one of the leading specialists in Wajima lacquer products and are located in the middle of the Wajima Morning Market area in Wajima city.  Early on Konishi Shogoro engaged in itinerant trading in and around the Kyoto-Osaka area, these days they sell products all over Japan.  Konishi Shogoro is involved in both the production and development of lacquerware for both commercial and private use.  The finest Wajima lacquerware products are distributed by the Konishi Shogoro family, so you can be assured that this tray is of the highest quality and will last for many years to come.  **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.

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.                                                                                                           

Sizes

Paper Box:  H.2.4cm (0.9”) x 19cm (7.4”) x 19cm (7.4”)

Tray:  H.1.6cm (0.6”) x Dia.18.3cm (7.2”)                                                                                 

Condition

It’s in very good condition aside from some light surface wear (scratches, scuffing), and the paper box is discoloured.                                                                                                 

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.