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Japanese Antique Massive Lacquered Wooden Bowl 1900s-1920s / Planter Wabi Sabi
$2,000
£1,518.10
€1,740.88
CA$2,822.99
A$3,030.21
CHF 1,613.43
MX$35,889.49
NOK 20,389.39
SEK 18,621.20
DKK 13,005.19
About the Item
This is an old, monumental Japanese lacquered wooden bowl. Its sheer scale and commanding presence are so overwhelming that it leaves a powerful impression the moment it comes into view, transcending its original function as a vessel and standing as a sculptural form in its own right. Quiet and weighty, yet imbued with a sense of primal force, it possesses a presence that remains deeply compelling even within a contemporary interior.
The bowl is believed to date to the Meiji period (1900s–1920s). Although this was an era marked by rapid modernization, it was also a time when handcraft and the inherent strength of natural materials were still deeply respected. This piece embodies a scale and intensity that could never have emerged from mass production. Rather than an everyday household utensil, it was likely made for a specific and specialized purpose.
While the exact wood species cannot be identified, the entire surface is coated in black lacquer. Over many decades, the lacquer has shifted from a uniform black to deep brown and smoky gray tones, with areas where the underlying wood subtly emerges. The surface is richly expressive, changing character with the light and revealing remarkable depth and nuance.
Examples of lacquered bowls of this size are extremely rare. It is unlikely that such a vessel was used as an ordinary tool by an individual craftsman; instead, it was probably employed in a workshop or by a lacquer wholesaler—an environment where large quantities of lacquer or materials were handled. Simply imagining the context in which it was used evokes the immense span of time this bowl has witnessed.
There are areas along the sides where the wood has deteriorated due to age. These are not flaws, but rather living evidence of long and continuous use. The interplay between the weathered wood and the remaining traces of lacquer creates a visual depth that can never be artificially reproduced.
Notably, the bowl can also be inverted and used as a monumental low table. Its smooth base and stable form lend themselves beautifully to this sculptural use as furniture. Whether appreciated as a bowl, a vessel, a low table, or an abstract art piece, it invites unrestricted and imaginative interpretation.
Few objects speak so eloquently of the passage of time, the power of natural materials, and the acceptance of imperfection embodied in the spirit of wabi-sabi. This piece will be carefully packed and securely shipped from Japan.
Weight: approximately 40 kg
- Dimensions:Height: 13.39 in (34 cm)Width: 42.92 in (109 cm)Depth: 41.74 in (106 cm)
- Style:Meiji (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:1900-1909
- Date of Manufacture:1900s-1920s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Chōsei District Nagara, JP
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU10403248400212
About the Seller
4.8
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Established in 2017
1stDibs seller since 2025
73 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 3 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Chōsei District Nagara, Japan
- Return Policy
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