A Round Paper Covered Woven Bamboo Tray: Ikkanbari

early twentieth century
12 3/4", x 2 1/4", 32.5 cm x 6 cm

This old, traditional object is a woven bamboo shallow tray that has been covered with paper pieces that have been saturated with extracted and fermented green persimmon juice called kaki shibu. This kind of treatment of baskets is referred to as ikkanbari.

This particular tray has been well-used as is evidenced by its rough surface. The interior surface of the tray shows paper in various tones of kaki shibu and it is clear the patching and the laying of the paper was fairly immediate as it addressed issues of repair and maintenance of the tray.

As well, the surface has a dry, matte or dusty feeling to it and, as stated before, it is kind of "roughed up" for use. The paper reinforcement is brittle.

The back or underside of the tray shows the structure of the basket which is sealed under the layers of paper. This side of the tray is a bit glossy as is often the case with ikkanbari objects. This differs from the other side, and we can deduce that the inside of the tray was used hard and its reverse was not.

This is a very humble-appearing, soulful object. It is light in weight, obviously, and within it are characteristics important to the Japanese way of life, one of which is to extend the life of a hand made, utilitarian object for as long as is possible.

Recommended.