Pair of presentation trays 広蓋 (hirobuta)
Price on request
A lovely pair of nested black lacquered presentation trays 広蓋 (hirobuta), richly decorated with an arrangement of auspicious treasures 宝物 (takaramono) traditionally associated with the Seven Lucky Gods 七福神 (Shichifukujin).
Across the surface is a scattered group of symbolic objects, including a large treasure sack, a magic mallet, gold coins and ingots, a key, scrolls, a fan, a broad-brimmed hat and branches of precious coral. Rather than representing the Seven Lucky Gods themselves, the composition brings together the various treasures and attributes connected with them, symbols of prosperity, good fortune, longevity and abundance.
The decoration is finely executed in hiramaki-e 平蒔絵 (low-relief lacquer) and takamaki-e 高蒔絵 (high-relief lacquer), using varying tones of gold and silver against a deep glossy black lacquer ground. The undersides are finished in black lacquer scattered with sparse reddish-gold nashiji 梨子地.
Complete with black lacquered wooden storage box 箱 (hako).
Hirobuta 広蓋 were traditionally used as formal presentation trays for gifts and ceremonial offerings, including textiles, documents and other important objects.
Period: Japan – Meiji period (1868–1912).
Dimensions:
Large tray: Length 60.6 cm; Width 42.7 cm; Height 8.5 cm.
Small tray: Length 57.5 cm; Width 39.6 cm; Height 7.4 cm.
In very good condition with minor nicks along the edges and light superficial wear consistent with age and use. Please refer to the photographs for a clear impression of the condition.
When shipped, a certificate of authenticity will be included.
