This serving tray is made by Mr. Kiyoteru Morita, a renowned undercoat craftsman of Echizen lacquerware. 

Sushi and tempura can be stylishly plated on this tray. It can also be used to serve appetizers, main dishes, and desserts. Neatly display small plates, bowls, and ochoko (sake cups)for an elegant Japanese style table setting. The sides are slightly curved making it easy to hold. 

This tray is uniquely designed with one third of the tray coated using a technique called "Fukiurushi" where transparent lacquer is applied to highlight the elegant simple wood grains and the very detailed grooves in the wood made by hand with a small knife.  The remaining surface is patterned with long horizontal grooves made with a special spatula and then sprinkled with tin powder. The term "Ginsai" refers to the beautiful silver color expressed by the tin powder. You can feel the contrast of wood against the matte finish which is rare in lacquerware items and the contrast in the depth and width of the grooves. The dark gold shine of tin adds to the artistry of the tray.

Echizen lacquerware originated around the city of Sabae in Fukui Prefecture, in the northern part of Japan. It is known for its subdued luster and elegant beauty with a history going back more than 1,500 years. 

Echizen lacquerware has developed techniques for product diversification and mass production in response to changing lifestyles and market needs. Echizen lacquerware is easy to use, durable, and beautiful, and is widely used not only by households but also by cooking professionals, accounting for more than 80% of all lacquerware for the food industry and commercial use in Japan.

PRODUCT DETAIL

• Quantity: 1 
• Dimension: 42cm(16.5in) × 15cm(5.9in) × H1.3cm(0.5in),
• Material: Wood
• Coating: Lacquer
• Origin: Made in Japan - Echizen Lacquerware 

FEATURES

MR. KIYOTERU MORITA

Mr. Morita is a highly skilled undercoat craftsman with nearly 50 years of experience. He has received special awards and serves as a judge for the Nitten exhibition. Nitten is the most popular great art organization in Japan.

Lacquerware made by Mr. Morita has a unique texture with raised patterns of cloth and Japanese paper. Fukui Prefecture is the birthplace of "Echizen Washi" (Japanese paper), which inspired him to use it with Echizen lacquerware.

Mr. Morita, who continues to experiment and take on challenges within the established techniques of traditional crafts, is also keen on lacquer craft as an art form, and has received the "Fukui Prefecture Cultural Award" for his achievements.