estateRUTH.

Preliminary identification

Japanese Paulownia Wood (Kiri) Sashimono Tray, c. 1960s

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

A masterfully joined shallow tray made from Paulownia wood, known in Japan as 'Kiri.' This piece features traditional 'sashimono' joinery, where the corners are mitered and reinforced with hidden or visible splines to create a seamless, nail-free bond.

Story

Paulownia wood is so prized in Japan that it was traditionally planted when a daughter was born, then harvested to make her wedding chest. This tray's pencil mark '4' is a workshop 'sumitsuke' mark, showing it was the fourth piece in a master's hand-cut set.

Maker / Origin

While the specific workshop is unnamed, this tray is the work of a 'sashimono-shi' (furniture master). These artisans spend years learning to join wood so precisely that the pieces stay together through friction and climate-responsive expansion alone.

Condition & Value

The wood appears to be in its natural, unfinished state with a light patina consistent with age. There are no visible cracks or warping, which is a testament to the stability of Paulownia wood. The pencil mark is an original workshop artifact and should not be removed.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Build on this identification

Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.

Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
  • ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD