Urushi Bamboo Caddy

A rich vermilion exterior is contrasted with a black interior. The caddy is in the traditional Shunkei style, produced in Takayama, a historic city in the deeply forested Hida region of northern Gifu Prefecture. The wood surface is first tinted red and coated with a highly transparent lacquer called "Shunkei-urushi" which beautifully reveals the natural grain. Shunkei lacquerware is distinguished by its use of a locally developed technique, which dates to 1607. 

Japan, Shōwa era, c. 1945
2.5"h, 2"Ø