A MINGEI CRAFTED LACQUER BOWL JAPAN, 20TH CENTURY |

of conical form, carved with splayed sides supported on a short foot, the interior and exterior liberally accreted with layers of lacquer formed with vibrant drips and swirls of red, yellow, green and black, the base lacquered red

Created in the first half of the 20th century, these bowls were a by-product of lacquer production as the craftsmen in the lacquer-making town of Kitakata in Fukushima Prefecture would place each day's application of lacquer in small lacquer bowls such as the current one. Over time, as these implements accumulated with copious layers of viscous texture and colourful drips, their initial utilitarian function diminished. For a similar crafted lacquer bowl offered in this sale, see lot 3033.