Description
A set of five small Japanese lacquer cups, each finished in a different colour and decorated inside with delicate gold makie, a traditional Japanese lacquer technique in which fine gold powder is applied to create detailed designs.
The exterior of each cup is textured with dried mandarin orange peel, a distinctive craft associated with lacquerware from the Wakayama region of western Japan. Layers of urushi lacquer are applied over the natural peel surface, creating a subtle texture and a warm depth of colour unique to this technique.
Inside, the gold makie decoration depicts scenic motifs associated with the historic Wakanoura coastline in Wakayama — a landscape celebrated in Japanese poetry since the 8th-century Man'yoshu anthology. Each cup presents a slightly different scene, giving the set a quiet sense of variation and balance.
Originally made as small drinking vessels, these cups can be enjoyed in many ways today, as cups, small serving vessels, or simply as decorative objects highlighting the craftsmanship of Japanese lacquerware.
Details
Origin: Japan (Wakayama region)
Technique: Wood base, mandarin peel exterior, urushi lacquer, gold makie
Material: Wood, natural mandarin peel, lacquer, gold powder
Contents: Set of five cups
Dimensions: Height approx. 2.5 cm / Diameter approx. 5.5 cm
Condition: Good overall condition with minor wear consistent with age.
Original box present but damaged.
