Very Rare Antique Japanese Lacquer Bowl. Provenance incl. Honeychurch Antiques

Rare Japanese special red lacquer worker's bowl with 3 silver stripes in lacquer on the top. The bottom of the bowl which is black lacquer bears the maker's signature of Shimoyama Kichiemon underneath the lacquer shops trademake in red. Description of this piece from the sales receipt reads (see photo): Japanese lacquer workers bowl of shallow form.

Bowls like these were used to mix pigmented lacquers (which were) then applied to utilitarian bowls or boxes. Once the bowl built up a large residue of lacquer they were rendered useless to lacquer workers and were burnished and polished by (or for) collectors.

These works became popular for collectors during the 20th century. The bowl is 12 1/2" in diameter & 2 1/2" in height. I added some photos from a book on these lacquer pieces for further context.

The condition of the bowl reflects use.

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