Hemp Leaf Pattern Washi Echizen Lacquerware Serving Tray

This is a serving tray made by Mr. Kiyoteru Morita, a renowned undercoat craftsman of Echizen lacquerware. This tray is a stunning item that can be used to plate sushi and tempura. It can also be used to serve appetizers, main dishes, and desserts, or can be combined with small plates, bowls, and ochoko (sake cups). The ends are slightly curved making the tray easy to hold. The soft texture of the Japanese paper applied underneath brings out a new charm of lacquer. It has a matte feel, which is rare for lacquer. The hemp leaf motif beautifully decorates the surface of the tray with its geometrical design and the subtle silver shine adds elegance to the artistry of the tray.  To clean, wipe it with a wet cloth. It can be quickly rinsed with water, but make sure to wipe it dry thoroughly. Echizen lacquerware originated around the city of Sabae in Fukui Prefecture, in the northern part of Japan. It is known for its subdued luster and elegant beauty with a history going back more than 1,500 years.  Echizen lacquerware has developed techniques for product diversification and mass production in response to changing lifestyles and market needs. Echizen lacquerware is easy to use, durable, and beautiful, and is widely used not only in households but also by cooking professionals, accounting for more than 80% of all lacquerware for the food industry and commercial use in Japan. PRODUCT DETAIL Quantity: 1  Dimension: 42cm(16.5in) × 15cm(5.9in) × H1.3cm(0.5in), Material: Wood Coating: Lacquer Origin: Made in Japan – Echizen Lacquerware  FEATURES MR. KIYOTERU MORITA Mr. Morita is a highly regarded undercoat craftsman with nearly 50 years of experience. He has received special awards and serves as a judge for the Nitten exhibition. Nitten is the most popular great art organization in Japan.Lacquerware made by Mr. Morita has a unique texture with raised patterns of cloth and Japanese paper. Fukui Prefecture is the birthplace of “Echizen Washi” (Japanese paper), which inspired him to use it with Echizen lacquerware.Mr. Morita, who continues to experiment and take on challenges within the established techniques of traditional crafts, is also keen on lacquer craft as an art form, and has received the “Fukui Prefecture Cultural Award” for his achievements.