Dry Lacquer Wave-Pattern Tamenuri Serving Dish

This serving dish stands on three legs carved from cypress, while the remainder is crafted using the ancient technique of dry lacquer, which involves repeatedly layering hemp and lacquer over a base form. A similar method was used in Buddhist statuary such as Sculpture of Ganjin-wajo at Toshodai-ji Temple. The wave pattern was produced by applying slightly brown-tinted transparent lacquer to the surface, then creating wave-like patterns by dripping petroleum around the edges. Tamenuri is a lacquerware technique that involves applying a layer of reddish lacquer covered with a layer of brown-tinted transparent lacquer, which blends the two colors to produce a deep, azuki bean-like hue. The rim of the dish also evokes waves, adding further depth to the work. (N.R.)