Japanese Namban Lacquer and Raden Inlay Tray (Nanban Maki-e)

Story

When Portuguese and Spanish ships arrived in Japan in the late 1500s, European elites fell instantly in love with Japanese urushi lacquer. Kyoto artisans crafted these luxury objects combining Western forms—like serving trays—with dazzling traditional gold dust and mother-of-pearl techniques. Holding this tray connects you directly to the legendary Silk Road of the sea and the birth of global trade.

Maker / Origin

Created by highly skilled Kyoto lacquer masters operating under orders from Portuguese traders or Jesuit missionaries, known as the Nanban trade. These workshops rapidly adapted ancient native techniques like hira maki-e and raden to cater to the opulent, ornament-heavy preferences of Renaissance Europe.

Condition & Value

Shows age-appropriate surface wear, minor loss to lacquer around the rim, and expected crackling of the urushi base. The mother-of-pearl inlay appears largely intact, which helps preserve its market value significantly. Authentic Momoyama-period Nanban lacquer pieces are rare museum-quality objects.