A Lacquered Joboji Ware Plate: Slightly Oval

early twentieth century
7" x 6 1/2" x 1", 18 cm x 16.5 cm x 2.5 cm

This shallow, slightly oval-shaped small dish is Joboji-nuri or a kind of lacquerware produced in Iwate prefecture, in the northeastern region of Japan. This type of lacquerware has an extremely long history and is said to date to the Nara era (710-794).

The dish is of black lacquer and it bears a simply painted depiction of a lone peach, nicely rendered in line using red lacquer.

The dish is a bit rustic in appearance and in this there is great charm.

This is a delightful, durable object which is eager to be admired or put to good use.