根来塗　輪花盆|Flower-Shaped Tray (Rinka-bon)

Unknown

15th century · Wood with black and red lacquer layers (Negoro ware) · Asian Art

With a lobed silhouette inspired by Chinese flower-shaped ceramics and lacquers, this tray represents the high esteem in which medieval Japan held imported Chinese art works (karamono). Such precious objects came to Japan with the introduction of new schools and teachings of Buddhism, especially that of Zen. Chrysanthemum-shaped trays were made by Japanese craftsmen from around the mid-thirteenth century. Most of these trays were used with tenmoku tea bowls to serve tea.

Artist

Unknown

Date

15th century

Medium

Wood with black and red lacquer layers (Negoro ware)

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015