An unusual Japanese lacquer worker’s platter. This piece, of some somewhat mysterious purpose, was used by a lacquer worker in the process of applying lacquer on other pieces, possibly either as a large palette or reservoir. Lacquer is a refined sap from the urushi tree (Rhus verniciflua) related to the sumac tree. When being applied to a work it is a viscous oily liquid, which often drips on the craftsman's work surface, building up over the years After each project a small amount of lacquer would dry in the top of the box, over the years gradually creating a painterly surface.
20th century
17½” diameter x 2½” high
