Preliminary identification
Photo reference
4 uploaded photos
Overview
An exquisite square lacquer serving tray (yobon) featuring a deep, mirror-like black urushi finish. It is decorated with a sweeping, dynamic wave of sprinkled gold powder (maki-e) and inlaid with shimmering abalone shell (raden) representing water droplets or celestial bodies.
Story
Created in mid-century Japan, this tray captures a flowing stream under moonlight. The artist used natural lacquer and precious metals to freeze a fleeting moment of nature's beauty onto a functional, everyday object.
Maker / Origin
The tray is signed 'Shigeo' (薫) with a matching artist seal on the accompanying paulownia wood box (tomobako). Shigeo was a highly skilled lacquer craftsman active during the mid-to-late Showa period, specializing in combining traditional maki-e techniques with modern, minimalist compositions.
Condition & Value
The tray appears to be in excellent vintage condition with a highly reflective, glossy surface. There are no visible cracks, chips, or warping to the wooden core, and the gold powder and shell inlays remain completely intact. Excellent condition like this commands a premium.
Full Research
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.
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.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.