Japanese Lacquerware Tray Chinkin Carved Gold Quail Bird Family Signed Box WO505

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■ Description A. Introduction Experience the delicate beauty of Japanese lacquer art with this exquisite square tray (Bon). Featuring a heartwarming "Parent and Child Quail" (Uzura) design rendered in gold against a deep black lustrous background, this piece exemplifies the harmony of nature. It comes with its original signed wooden box (Tomobako), making it a perfect collectible or a sophisticated display piece.

B. Features & Cultural Context

• Technique (Chinkin & Saishitsu-bori): The wooden box is inscribed with "Sai-shitsu Chō Bon" (Color Lacquer Carved Tray). The artwork utilizes the Chinkin (沈金) technique.

  • What is Chinkin? This is a highly skilled decorative technique where the design is incised (carved) into the lacquered surface using a fine chisel. Wet lacquer is then rubbed into the grooves, and gold powder or colored pigments are applied. This allows for incredibly fine, hair-like lines (visible in the birds' feathers) that raised Maki-e cannot easily achieve.

• Design (Quail / Uzura): The motif depicts a family of quails (parent and chicks) amidst autumn flowers. In Japan, quails are associated with autumn and are symbols of peace and pastoral harmony. The interaction between the parent and chicks symbolizes family love ("Itsukushimi," written on the box lid).

• Authenticity: The tray comes in its original wooden box. The lid features powerful calligraphy "Jisu" (Charity/Affection) and is signed by the artist on the reverse.

C. Usage & Decor Ideas

• Display Art: Due to the intricate gold carving, this tray serves beautifully as a standalone art piece on a stand.

• Tea Ceremony: A high-end tray for serving Matcha or wagashi (sweets) to special guests.

• Interior Accent: The black and gold contrast adds a touch of "Japan Modern" luxury to any coffee table or sideboard.

D. Size & Weight

• Tray Dimensions: 33.4 cm x 33.4 cm x 3.2 cm (13.15 in x 13.15 in x 1.26 in)

• Box Dimensions: 35 cm x 35 cm x 5.8 cm (13.78 in x 13.78 in x 2.28 in)

• Tray Weight: 581 g (1.28 lbs)

• Total Weight (with Box): 1,200 g (2.65 lbs)

E. Condition Condition: Vintage / Excellent This item is in beautiful vintage condition.

• Lacquer: The surface retains a deep, glossy shine.

• Minor Flaw: There is a very slight peeling of the lacquer on the lower side of the inner rim. It is extremely subtle and almost unnoticeable during normal display or use.

• Box: The wooden box is in good condition, protecting the tray perfectly.

F. Conclusion This Chinkin-style quail tray is a masterpiece of precision and warmth. The fine "carved gold" technique brings the birds to life in a way that is distinct from standard painting. Please check the photos to appreciate the microscopic details of the feathers.