Jihei Murase Japanese, b. 1957
Carved-Flower Negoro Tray with Legs, 2022
Lacquer
H3 1/8 x W15 3/8 in
H8 x W39 cm
H8 x W39 cm
C25024
In the style of the famous trays from the Kamakura period, Jihei Murase is one of the only artisans in the world who continues to produce flower-shaped negoronuri trays. A single wood block with no joinery to bind the base to the foot, Murase used the lathe and hand-forged wrought iron tools to delicately curve the base, foot, and petal pattern. Intended as a method of offering food or serving a guest, the masterful technique of the artist proves that the rare flower-shaped tray is not limited to the realm of antiques.