Takatsuki; footed tray. Wood with black lacquer, ca. 1900. H.1.75"(4.5cm) x Dia.6"(15cm). Such trays were used for food service or offerings. Suitable for a sweets dish in tea ceremony.
Kamakurabori, the lacquerware of Kamakura City in Kanagawa Prefecture, is appreciated all over Japan. This set of pre-war "chataku" tea cup coasters is a fine example of this craft. They measure 15cm(6") in diameter, with a height of 2.5cm(1"). Plenty of references are available on this craft that has its origins in producing lacquered wood carving for the numerous Buddhist temples of Kamakura during the 11th & 12th centuries.
Japanese Candle Stand, shokudai, made of lacquered wood. H.43cm(17") x Base Diameter 10cm(4"). Mid-late 19th century.Will include 2 "warosoku" (Japanese tapered candles with hole in base.)
Waraji (straw sandal) Gata (mold). This mold was used to make the straw sandals worn by farmers. It is of solid carved wood. L. 50cm(19.75") x H.9cm(3.5") x W.9cm(3.5"). Acquired in Yamagata Prefecture in NE Japan (Tohoku), this piece exhibits the wonderful folk qualities of the region. Hung vertically, the "shelf" portion of the mold can hold a small flower vase, creating a lovely "wabi" arrangement for the tokonoma.
This folk weaving loom for straw mats, ropes, and the like, was a common feature in rural Japanese homes. Made of heavy keyaki wood frame and base, this "mushirobata oriki" also has a roughly hewn top crosspiece with a natural curve.
H. 131cm(51.5") x W. 147cm(58") x D.(base) 46cm(18"). Late Edo to Early Meiji Era.
