Midcentury True Japanese Red Urushi Lacquer Vase, Handpainted with Foo / Shishi Lion Motif

This is a lovely and rare example of midcentury Japanese lacquer. 漆 urushi is made from the sap of the lacquer tree. In its raw form the liquid is poisonous to the touch, so it takes 3-5 years after the resin is harvested to process it into lacquer.

After multiple steps of filtering and drying, the lacquer can then be tinted and made into decorative items. Layers of lacquer are painstakingly built up and polished back down in a repetitive, labor-intensive process that takes weeks. 

A true and increasingly rare art form, modern lacquer pieces can reach up to £125 for a single cup. However, the end-product is unlike any other; a beautiful piece that lasts for centuries. 

This particular vase is of unusual size compared to typical lacquerware pieces, and is in overall excellent condition. A charmingly illustrated foo dog or shishi mythical beast is handpainted as a central motif; the rest of the vase showcases the stunningly rich ruby hues of the lacquer. It comes with its original aluminium liner so that one can display flowers as desired.

Price marked at $450 AUD.

Measurements: 20.5cm height, 16cm diameter

Condition: Excellent overall with original tape residue remnants to base.