Japanese Maki-e Lacquerware Tray with Mount Fuji and Pine Landscape

Story

Created in the early 20th century, this tray captures the timeless Japanese poetic landscape of Miho no Matsubara. The artist Unkei used real gold dust suspended in tree sap to paint a scene that literally glows when caught by candlelight.

Maker / Origin

The tray is signed 'Unkei' (運景) with a matching red lacquer seal. While many lacquer artists of this period worked in specialized family workshops in historic centers like Kyoto, Wajima, or Kanazawa, their individual identities are often preserved only through these elegant, stylized signatures on high-grade commissions.

Condition & Value

The lacquer surface shows excellent gloss with minor surface dust and light handling wear consistent with age. The gold rim is largely intact, and the underside shows typical light scuffing from being placed on surfaces. Excellent preservation overall.