Large Japanese urushi lacquer plate

An exceptional work of wood and urushi lacquer by Susumu Seto, for this large dish made of heavy carved cherry wood and on which many layers of traditional Japanese urushi lacquer have been patiently applied. Several months of work went into making this beautiful object with a magnificent softness and depth.

To be used in everyday life, for example to present fruits (urushi lacquer is perfectly adapted to food usage), or as a precious decorative object.

This piece is a one-off.

PLACE OF MANUFACTURE	JAPAN
DIMENSIONS	Diameter 26cm x Height 6,5cm
WEIGHT	390gr
COMPOSITION	Horse chesnut wood and urushi lacquer

To create this plate, a proper plank of Japanese cherry wood first had to be selected, which had been drying for years. From this plank the slow and tedious work of carving began, outside and inside, until a perfect piece was obtained, finely chiselled by hand.

Seto san then applied several layers of traditional Japanese urushi lacquer with a brush. Between each layer the object was left to dry in a large wooden box for several hours with calibrated temperature and humidity, and also between each layer and once dry was rubbed extensively with sandpaper. This gives the object not only its unique soft appearance provided by the traditional urushi lacquer but also its exceptional durability.

Traditional Japanese lacquer, urushi, is made from the sap of the lacquer tree (Rhus Verniciflua), which flows out after cutting the bark. It is a very precious material, a tree will only give a maximum of 200ml of sap in its life, which is worked by craftsmen each specialized in a particular stage. It takes many slow and meticulous operations to give life to lacquered objects. It is the oldest craft in Japan! Initially used to protect and waterproof objects, this immutable craft has become an art of extreme sophistication. If you want to know more about the art of Japanese lacquerware, you can read our dedicated article here.

This object keeps in memory the hand of the craftsman who designed it with patience. It will accompany your daily life, bringing its delicate and refined beauty, while contributing to the preservation of unique craftsmanship.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS Clean with a very soft cloth to avoid scratches, soaked with a little warm water if necessary (never soak your lacquered objects). No microwave, dishwasher, dryer. Do not expose to direct sunlight for a long time (risk of discoloration). If the atmosphere is very dry and very hot, and to avoid the risk of cracking, you can place a glass filled with water next to your lacquered object.

Shipping costs will be calculated and added at checkout.