A square tray with angled corners, featuring traditional Negoro decoration of red cinnabar lacquer over a black lacquer base and supported by delicately shaped feet. These trays was influenced by ceremonial offering trays from Negoro-ji Buddhist temple complex in present-day Wakayama Prefecture, just south of Osaka. Originally crafted from Japanese cypress and other woods, these trays are revered in Japan for the aesthetic transformation over time, where the black base gradually emerges beneath the worn red lacquer topcoat. Some damage to corners, pictured.

18-19c. Japan.

14.5 inches across x 3 inches height