Oshiki

A negoro lacquer angled corners tray

Oshiki

Muromachi period (1336-1573)

16th century

29 x 30 x 1.7 cm

Antique Negoro lacquer wares were produced at the Negoro-ji temple complex in Izumi Province. The red layers of lacquer on Negoro wares are intended to gradually wear away with use, revealing the black lacquer underneath. 

Oshiki-type trays were originally made with pieces of hinoki (Japanese cypress) and other woods, with sides attached. Ordinarily, they are square with the corners formed in several ways. They are thought to have originally used for offerings, but a very large number of these trays have been preserved that were mass produced at Japanese temples and shrine as place-setting trays.

Antique negoro tray for sal