Treasure your cherished belongings in our exquisite Urushi Lacquer Keepsake Box. Its compact size makes it perfect for placing on a dresser, bedside table, or vanity, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space.
Whether you store rings, earrings, necklaces, or other small valuables, this keepsake box offers functionality and aesthetic appeal. Its design, color, and motif combine to create a practical work of art piece.
Adorned with a delicate yellow Japanese orchid motif set against a vibrant Vermillion Red backdrop, this box is a testament to the beauty and precision of traditional Ryukyu-style lacquerware from Southern Japan.
Product Details
- Size: 12.5 cm x 12.5 cm x 6 cm (5" x 5" x 2.4")
- Color: Vermillion Red (shu-nuri)
- Motif: Japanese fūran orchid (Botanical name: Vanda falcata)
- Base Material: Japanese cherry birch (Mizume-zakura)
- Finish: Urushi Lacquer
- Origin: Handcrafted in Japan
Ryukyu-style Urushi Lacquerware's Unique Characteristics
Urushi is a natural lacquer from the lacquer tree (T. vernicifluum, Urushi-no-ki in Japanese). polished to achieve a durable, high-luster finish.In Japan, using urushi lacquer dates back to the prehistoric Jomon period. Southern Japan developed its unique "Ryukyu" techniques over time, deeply rooted in the region's subtropical climate and culture.
Distinctive Raised Motifs: A hallmark of Ryukyu lacquerware is the use of a raised motif technique known as "tsuikin." In this method, lacquer is mixed with pigments to form a paste called "tsuikin-mochi." This paste is spread into thin layers, cut according to the design, and then applied to the lacquered surface, creating a three-dimensional effect.
These motifs often depict the region's iconic flora and fauna, such as hibiscus, orchids, Japanese Hamayu lilies, and the Japanese quail (Uzura,) celebrating the rich natural tapestry and diversity of Southern Japan.
Captivating Colors: Ryukyu lacquerware is renowned for its use of "shu-nuri" (Vermillion Red) and "kuro-nuri" (Noble Black) color pallets. Vermillion Red, associated with the South and Yang, symbolizes vitality, encapsulating this color's lively and dynamic nature. Noble Black, associated with the North and Yin, represents dignity, conveying depth, sophistication, and strength.
Meticulous Preparation Process: Ryukyu lacquerware undergoes a lengthy preparation process, including drying the wood for several years, and multiple layers of urushi lacquer coats to enhance durability.
