Japanese Meiji 1898 Lacquer Bowl Gilt Chrysanthemum Wajima Urushi For Sale

1898 Meiji Japanese Wajima Lacquer Bowl, Hand-Carved Gilt Chrysanthemum

Description Meiji Period Japanese Lacquer Bowl (1898)

Wajima-made, Hand-Carved Gilt Chrysanthemum Design

This is an authentic Japanese antique lacquer bowl from the Meiji period, dated to Meiji 31 (1898).

The bowl was used during the Meiji era, and carefully preserved thereafter, rather than being continuously used for over a century.

It is Wajima-made lacquerware, produced before “Wajima lacquerware” became a formalized modern brand.
At that time, Wajima was valued for its craftsmanship and durability, not for brand certification.

Craftsmanship & Design

The decoration was created by hand-carving grooves into the surface and filling them with gold powder.
This is not a printed or mechanical process.

Because each design was executed by hand, every bowl shows subtle differences, making each piece unique.

The motif is a stylized chrysanthemum flower, traditionally symbolizing refinement and formality in Japanese culture, rendered in a restrained manner characteristic of Wajima workmanship.

The lacquer shows a deep brown-red tone (often described as chocolate-toned red).
This color is not the result of damage or neglect, but reflects materials, techniques, and aging specific to Meiji-period lacquer.

Condition & Preservation

The bowl shows scratches and signs of use from its time in active service.
These marks are evidence of its original function, not later damage.

After its period of use, the bowl was carefully kept and preserved, which is why:

• The lacquer retains depth and sheen

• The structure remains solid and stable

“Good condition” here does not mean unused or modern perfection.
It means well preserved for an antique that was genuinely used and then carefully stored.

Please note:

• One bowl shows an area of lacquer loss (visible in the photos)

• Overall, there are noticeable scratches and surface wear

Why This Piece Matters

This bowl represents functional Japanese craftsmanship from the Meiji era, created before modern branding and certification existed.

It carries:

• Evidence of real use

• Careful long-term preservation

• Hand-crafted individuality

An honest and historically grounded example of Meiji-period Wajima lacquerware.

Important Notes

• Dated to Meiji 31 (1898)

• Wajima-made lacquerware from before modern brand standardization

• Color appearance may vary depending on lighting and screen settings

• Please review all photos carefully, as they are part of the description

Size / Dimensions

• Bowl (without lid):
  Diameter approx. 5.04 in (12.8 cm)
  Height approx. 1.77 in (4.5 cm)

• Lid:
  Diameter approx. 4.69 in (11.9 cm)
  Height approx. 0.79 in (2.0 cm)

• Total height with lid:
  Approx. 2.56 in (6.5 cm)

Shipping & Terms

• We always send the item with a tracking number. So please place an order without any concern on delivery. You can always track the delivery status.
• If you are shipping an item from Japan with a tracking number, please note that delivery may require a signature. If you are not home at the time of delivery, the delivery person may return the item, and you will be required to follow the re-shipment procedures outlined in the notification. Please make sure to carefully follow the instructions provided for re-shipping.
• Shipping is only available to the address registered in . If you want us to send another address, please change your address on and then place an order.
• Shipping is available from Monday to Friday. Weekends are not available because freight (shipping) companies are closed.
• We do not mark merchandise values below value or mark items as “gifts” – Japan, US and International government regulations prohibit such behavior.

Return Policy

• Returns are accepted within 30 days of the item’s arrival.
• The buyer is responsible for return shipping costs.
• Items must be returned in their original condition.
• Refunds will be processed after the item has been received and inspected.

Payment Methods

• We accept all major credit cards and Paypal payments.

About Importer\'s Obligation

Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer\'s responsibility. Please check with your country\'s customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to offerding or buying.

Thank you for your understanding.

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