Aoba-bon tray in black urushi lacquer with green highlights by Heian Zōhiko

Inspired by the supple silhouette of a young leaf, this urushi lacquer tray, called Aoba-bon , is crafted from magnolia wood ( ho no ki ), a light and supple wood, particularly suited to very fine lacquers. Its exceptionally thin and light structure demonstrates remarkable expertise in woodworking and lacquering.

The surface is covered with several layers of glossy black urushi lacquer, enriched with natural green pigments, which give it this visual depth and these reflections that change according to the light. The relief of the central vein and the veins of the leaf appear with great precision under the lacquer.

Founded in 1661 in Kyoto, Heian Zōhiko is one of Japan's most prestigious lacquer houses. It perpetuates the refined art of urushi through the meticulous application of successive layers of natural lacquer, each carefully polished and hardened using traditional techniques.

With its diameter of 22 cm, this type of tray is traditionally used in chanoyu (the tea ceremony) as a Japanese sweets tray ( kashiki-bon ), intended for the presentation of wagashi accompanying the tea.

The tray bears the House's distinctive seal and is presented in its original wooden box signed by tea master Iguchi Kaisen, guaranteeing its authenticity.