Red Plum-Shaped Serving Tray 9.3 in

Aizu lacquered tray in the shape of a plum blossom. The vivid vermilion paint is glossy and eye-catching.

Plum blossoms have been a favorite flower in Japan for a long time, and are a motif often used in kimonos and tableware. The plum blossoms are considered to be auspicious, as they are the first to bloom as soon as the cold winter has passed, making people feel happy and announcing the beginning of the new season.

It is suitable not only for serving meals, desserts, and drinks, but also as a stand for flower and home decorations.

Fukunishi Sobe Shoten

Fukunishi Sobe Shoten, a long-established Aizu lacquerware company, was founded in 1919 by Fukunishi Sobe, who branched off from the Fukunishi Ihee Shoten—the main family business that had been operating since the early Edo period (1603–1868 CE) for thirteen generations. 

In addition to traditional lacquering techniques that highlight the soft, lustrous finish characteristic of lacquerware, they continue to pass down unique Aizu decorative methods such as Aizu-e painting, featuring motifs of pine, bamboo, plum, and ceremonial arrows, as well as the use of spinning wheel patterns.

Aizu lacquerware is a traditional craft originating from the Aizu region in western Fukushima. Nestled in a basin surrounded by mountain ranges, the region's humid climate provides ideal conditions for working with lacquer. Aizu lacquerware is known for its auspicious motifs and refined decorative techniques, including Aizu-e, featuring vibrant Japanese floral patterns, and maki-e, which uses gold powder to create intricate designs.

Firmly rooted in over 400 years of tradition, Aizu lacquerware continues to evolve by embracing modern techniques, sharing its timeless beauty with the world today.