LACQUER WORKER BOWL QA22

A Japanese lacquer worker's bowl. Liquid lacquer (urushi) would be mixed and kept in this bowl as a reservoir while a lacquer craftsman worked on a piece. After each project a small amount of lacquer would dry in the bowl before the next project. Over the years and many colors of lacquer the bowl has built up numerous layers of lacquer revealed after the rim and interior was polished. 
20th century
6¾” diameter x 3¾” high