Red & Black lacquerware collection SHIROSAGI

black tray with two white rabbits
This elegant, all-purpose black lacquerware tray is suitable for any number of occasions. Subtly decorated with two white rabbits made out of shell, this tray adds a touch of refinement to meals and is beautiful as a decorative piece. Designed extra wide, this tray is ideal for those who love to entertain and makes a great gift.

Details:

  • Excellent multi-purpose serving tray, very wide.
  • Wood base, hand painted in a deep black lacquered colour
  • 2 white rabbits made of shell have been placed on the tray. (Rabbits are a very luck animal in Japan and carry a positive spirit.)
  • Durable and strong – made to last for years
  • Preferably hand wash only although dishwasher safe
  • Do not microwave
  • Width: 30cm (11.8″) ; Length: 48cm (18.9″) ; Height: 4.9cm (1.9″) ; Weight 1200g (42 ounces)
A word on Urushi

Japanese lacquerware, broadly known as “urushi” (pronounced “oorooshe”), is often red or black. The trademark Urushi deep black is achieved through a process that involves the use of iron powder. Pigments like vermillion are added to produce the classic vivid orange-red colour that was originally used to decorate pottery and preserve the bones of royalty.

Black and red lacquerware is often decorated with “maki-e”; gold, silver or other coloured powders are sprinkled onto the wet urushi. In Japanese, maki means “sprinkling” and the “e” means “picture”. Thus, in combination, “sprinkling pictures”.
With origins that date back 9,000 years, Urushi is one of the world’s most durable natural lacquers. Urushi dries or hardens by absorbing moisture from the air. When hardened, urushi is waterproof, protecting objects from heat, salt, mould and all types of weather exposure.

Thanks to its magnificent, natural beauty and remarkable strength, Urushi has become an intrinsic symbol of Japanese culture.