Vintage Traditional JAPANESE Kishu ORIENTAL Lacquerware Vase

Height: 9 inches

Circumference: approx. 18 1/4 inches at its widest

Weight: 1254 g

Maker’s Marks: n/a

Notes / other details: double-handled vase with ring detail, mesmerising golden, silver, and terracotta colour palette

The vintage Japanese Kishu lacquerware vase is a testament to the enduring legacy of Japanese craftsmanship. Standing 9 inches tall and measuring approximately 18 1/4 inches in circumference at its widest, the vase has a substantial presence, weighing in at 1254 grams. While the maker’s marks are not specified, the vase’s double-handled design with ring detail is characteristic of traditional Japanese aesthetics. The colour palette is particularly striking, with a mesmerising blend of golden, silver, and terracotta hues that shimmer under the lacquer’s glossy finish.

Kishu lacquerware hails from the Kishu region, known today as Wakayama Prefecture, and is celebrated for its robustness and elegant simplicity. The absence of maker’s marks could suggest a piece intended for everyday use, as opposed to ceremonial purposes where the artist’s signature would be more common. The colours employed in this vase suggest a sophisticated technique, where layers of lacquer are carefully applied to create depth and pattern.

The double handles with ring detail not only serve a practical purpose but also add a sculptural element to the vase, making it an object of beauty as well as function. This piece would have likely been a cherished household item, possibly used to store precious items or serve as a focal point in a room.

Collectors and connoisseurs of oriental antiques would appreciate the vase for its traditional form and the skilled artistry it represents. Each layer and line tells a story of the meticulous process behind its creation, a narrative woven into the very fabric of Japan’s rich cultural tapestry.

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