Leaf Lacquer Plates

A set of five leaf plates in Hida Shunkei lacquer, a tradition from the mountain town of Takayama dating back to the early 1600s. Shunkei craftsmen apply a clear, amber-toned lacquer so the wood grain shows through rather than being hidden, and here it runs the length of each leaf like veining. Each plate has a gently folded edge and a delicate carved stem. The refined plates could be used for serving okashi or for decoration. Late 20th century. Included with their original box, labeled 飛騨春慶 (Hida Shunkei) and certified as a Japanese Traditional Craft Product (伝統的工芸品).