This phenomenal Japanese Urushi bowl was a gift given to a family who had given birth to a son—a much celebrated event, since the son carries on the family name—and it is symbolically painted with designs for that son. This particular birth bowl and its lid are made entirely of wood and were to be used on very special occasions. This magnificent Japanese bowl has been classified to be either from the late Meiji or early Taisho eras. The Meiji period or era, meaning “enlightened rule”, takes place during the forty-five year reign of the Meiji Emperor, which is from October 23, 1868 to July 30, 1912. The Taisho period or era, meaning “period of great righteousness”, is during the reign of the Taisho Emperor, dating from July 30, 1912 to December 25, 1926.

Urushi is one of the most enduring and long-lasting natural lacquers that is known to mankind, coming from the sap of the Urushi tree. These Urushi lacquered items were discovered in Japan, dating back to nine thousand years ago. Another term used in the West for this process is “japaned”. How durable is Urushi? In its hardened state, it is water and acid proof and also will protect the item from mold, mildew, heat, salt and all types of weathering. Urushi has been used on many different types of objects, from wood to fabric, metal and more. While it is wet, Urushi is one of the strongest adhesives, making it perfect for decorating with gold foil (chinkin), gold powder (maki-e) or mother of pearl inlays (raden). This great strength, along with its natural beauty, is why Urushi lacquered objects have been so popular for thousands of years.

What makes Urushi so strong? Urushiol is an oily substance contained in the sap and when it is exposed to humidity and warmth, an enzyme is activated that extracts oxygen from water and supplies it to the urushiol. Then the urushiol solidifies, which forms a hard film. After hardening, Urushi does retain some water content, giving it constant wet and shiny appearance. The Urushi lacquer ware is usually red or black. Iron powder is added, causing a chemical reaction with the urushiol, changing the Urushi to a deep black color. Vermillion is produced from adding mercuric sulfide and ferric oxide is added to make red. Other colors are made from adding pigments.

Raw Urushi is utilized for base coats and refined Urushi for top coats and decoration. Just to make a typical wooden Urushi lacquer product, calls for over twenty steps and more than one hundred individual processes and it is all done by hand. To make a small bowl, can take over six months! That should give you some idea of how much work went into making this birth bowl and lid, which is also bowl-shaped.

In Japan, there is great symbolic meaning attached to different things in nature. The Koi (Carp fish) that is painted on the birth bowl is the Symbol of Perseverance for a male heir, meaning strength, courage, the ability to attain high goals and the determination to overcome all obstacles in life. It has this meaning because the Koi is the most spirited of fish, having the ability to swim up a waterfall. Painted on the birth bowl is the secondary theme of the Long Life Pine, symbolizing youth, longevity and dignity. In Japan the evergreen pine tree (Matsu) is considered to be sacred and its branches are used to decorate the entrances of homes to welcome the gods at New Year.

This breathtaking Japanese son’s birth bowl and its lid are in a vivid, glossy red shade and in fine condition. The Koi is exquisitely painted on the bowl, with raised gold maki-e detailing and raised black spots on the scales. Grey and white are also used to bring this image to life. The subtle theme of the pine is in the background. The artist who made this amazing birth bowl and lid allowed the wood grain to very faintly show through, which takes great care to do. This proves that it is a genuine Urushi. To own this meticulously hand-crafted and stunning Japanese son’s Urushi birth bowl is to possess a magnificent stand-alone art piece of Japan’s culture. Buy this rare bowl at our eBay store