Sendai Keyaki Wood Serving Bowl with Spoon | Japanese Urushi Lacquerware Large Salad Platter | Vintage Zelkova Wooden Dishes Tableware Setup

The Story Behind This Piece:

This beautiful large plate, woven from a deep, sinking black lacquer and a vibrant vermilion-red gradation that seems to rise powerfully from within, represents the pinnacle of traditional Japanese woodcraft. The giant natural zelkova (Keyaki) tree endured countless harsh winters, growing in the grand embrace of nature over decades or even centuries. Only the most beautiful and resilient heartwood was lavishly carved out, shaped by skilled craftsmen over countless hours, and layered with multiple coats of natural lacquer to create this vessel of overwhelming presence. The unique wood grain, both powerful and delicately mesmerizing, is a natural abstract painting created by nature itself, telling a profound story of Japanese aesthetic sensibility.

This magnificent lacquered wooden charger plate, along with its matching beautiful zelkova rice scoop (shamoji), was discovered in miraculous, pristine condition deep within a storehouse of an old folk house (traditional kominka) surrounded by the lush green mountains of northern Hiroshima Prefecture. For decades, completely shielded from outside light, moisture, and sudden temperature changes in the deepest recess of the storehouse, it lay wrapped in thick washi paper inside a sturdy box, preserved beautifully as if time itself had frozen. The old folk house belonged to an influential family that once flourished in forestry and as major landowners in the region, and its storehouse preserved the highest quality handcrafts gathered from all over Japan by successive generations. This large plate was quietly passed down as a special family heirloom symbolizing the dignity and rich lifestyle of the estate.

The era of its creation is estimated to be around the 1970s, the mid-Showa period, when Japan's post-war reconstruction had stabilized and a unique domestic lifestyle culture blossomed through rapid economic growth. At that time, the spirit of the Mingei (folk art) movement, which pursued the functional beauty of authentic everyday items, had widely permeated general households, fostering a rich culture that demanded the finest materials and techniques for daily tools. Inheriting the advanced craftsmanship of Sendai Keyaki woodcraft from Miyagi Prefecture, renowned as one of Japan's leading woodcraft regions, this piece was finished in a refined, modern form, stripping away unnecessary ornamentation to maximize the life force of the natural material. It stands as an extremely precious vintage piece from an era when Japanese lacquer art techniques were at their most mature and luxurious timber was still available.

In the past, this large plate played a central role during prestigious New Year banquets and special gatherings hosting honored guests at the Hiroshima estate. The master and mistress of the house would use this wooden plate of overwhelming scale and beauty as the centerpiece of the table, beautifully arranging lavish chirashi-zushi or steaming celebratory okowa (red rice) using the abundance of Hiroshima's mountains and the fresh seafood of the Seto Inland Sea, accompanied by the elegant matching zelkova scoop. The deep luster of the lacquer enhanced the colors of the served food, drawing gasps of admiration from the gathered guests. It was not merely a tool for serving food, but a special medium symbolizing abundance and blessing, designed to show deep respect to guests and strengthen the bonds of the people gathered together.

However, with the passage of time, people's lifestyles shifted dramatically from traditional Japanese to Western styles, and family structures changed from extended to nuclear families. Opportunities for traditional large banquets where people gathered around a single table to share food from a massive communal platter gradually decreased, and modern, lightweight Western tableware made of glass and porcelain became the main players of daily life. Consequently, this beautiful, heavy lacquered plate became considered too luxurious for everyday use. To preserve its value for future generations, it was safely stored away deep inside the robust storehouse of the estate. This was not the end of its utility, but the beginning of a long rest in the dark to gather strength until a new era seeking authentic, timeless value arrived.

In the present day, this magnificent plate has returned to the light of day due to a historical milestone—the "Kurajimai" (clearing of the storehouse) of the old folk house. This project began from the current owner's strong sense of mission to sustainably carry forward the peerless cultural heritage left by ancestors and the rapidly vanishing traditional Japanese craftsmanship into our modern throwaway society. Despite sleeping for decades, this vessel shows absolutely no warping or fading, instead emitting an even deeper lacquer luster that proves how perfect the woodcraft and lacquering techniques of that era truly were. Recreating such a piece today with such premium natural zelkova wood and intensive hand labor is extremely difficult, making its rarity and value rise year after year.

Today, the value of this lacquered wooden plate goes far beyond its beauty as a mere antique. It is the very embodiment of the "wabi-sabi" aesthetic, where wood and lacquer merge over time to develop a deeper, richer character, and it is a crystallization of "mingei value" that pursues absolute beauty within practical function. Simply placing this commanding plate in a modern, minimalist interior or a sophisticated Scandinavian-style dining room with exposed concrete instantly infuses the entire space with a deep warmth and a dignified atmosphere rooted in traditional Japanese beauty. Whether used as a salad bowl to display vibrant fresh greens or as a dramatic platter for a special main dish, it will bring a unique, luxurious accent and rich moments of conversation to contemporary lifestyles.

Condition & Notes:
Please note before purchasing.
This is a vintage or antique item sold as-is.
Due to age and long-term storage, natural signs of wear and aging may be present, including:
* small scratches or scuffs
* fading or discoloration
* glaze irregularities or imperfections
* crackling (crazing), kiln marks, or gold wear
* slight warping or age-related changes in wooden parts
Vintage and antique items may also carry natural storage-related scents from wood, paper, lacquer, smoke, or long-term preservation environments.
These characteristics are part of the individuality, historical character, and quiet beauty that vintage Japanese items carry.
They are not flaws, but the gentle traces of time.
We kindly ask for your understanding that vintage and antique items differ from newly manufactured products.
We do our best to show all notable details in the photos, but some small imperfections may not be fully visible.
Please review the dimensions carefully before purchasing, as photos may make items appear larger or smaller depending on display settings and shooting conditions.
Please note that colors may appear slightly different depending on lighting conditions and screen settings.
Only the items shown in the photos are included unless otherwise stated.
Display stands, decorative props, or accessories used for photography are not included unless explicitly stated.
Thank you for appreciating the character and spirit of these timeworn pieces.

Dimensions:
■Main Body
Height: 10.7 cm (4.21 in)
Rim Diameter: 30.8 × 30.8 cm (12.13 × 12.13 in)
Base Diameter: 15.4 cm (6.06 in)
Maximum Circumference: 91.0 cm (35.83 in)
Weight: 1195 g (42.15 oz)
■Rice Paddle
Length: 22.5 cm (8.86 in)
Width: 7.0 cm (2.76 in)
Thickness: 1.3 cm (0.51 in)
Weight: 30 g (1.06 oz)

Shipping Information:
All items are shipped from Hiroshima, Japan.
Shipping costs are not included in the product price and will be calculated and charged separately at checkout.
Orders are usually dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment is confirmed.
For shipments to the United States, we use DHL Express with full tracking and insurance.
For all other available destinations, orders are generally shipped via Japan Post EMS with tracking and insurance.
The shipping method may be changed when necessary depending on the destination, package size, service availability, and shipping conditions.
Each item is carefully packed with protective materials to help ensure safe delivery.
Estimated delivery time is approximately 7–14 business days. Delivery times may vary depending on customs procedures, local delivery conditions, weather disruptions, customs inspections, and other circumstances beyond our control.

International Buyers – Duties, VAT & Taxes:
Shipments to the United States
For shipments to the United States, shipping costs and import customs duties are not included in the displayed product price.
Shipping costs will be calculated and charged separately at checkout.
Applicable import duties and other import-related charges will be calculated and collected separately during checkout where supported by our checkout system.
State and local taxes, including Sales Tax, may also be calculated and collected at checkout according to applicable regulations.
The total amount shown at checkout may therefore include:
the product price
shipping costs
applicable import duties
applicable state or local taxes
If any customs duties, customs processing fees, carrier handling fees, brokerage fees, taxes, or other import-related charges are not collected at checkout, they may be collected separately by DHL or the relevant customs authority before or upon delivery.
Shipments Outside the United States
For shipments outside the United States, shipping costs, import duties, VAT, GST, consumption taxes, customs processing fees, carrier handling fees, and other local import-related charges are not included in the displayed product price.
Shipping costs will be calculated and charged separately at checkout.
Orders are generally shipped via Japan Post EMS.
Import duties, VAT, GST, consumption taxes, customs clearance fees, postal handling fees, carrier fees, and other local import-related charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
These charges may be collected before or upon delivery by Japan Post EMS, the local postal service, the relevant customs authority, or another local delivery provider.
The amount and collection method are determined by the laws, regulations, and customs procedures of the destination country.
For many international orders, VAT, GST, customs duties, and import-related processing fees are collected at the time of delivery.
Please note that payment of the product price and shipping cost does not mean that import duties, VAT, GST, or other local import-related charges have been paid.
We do not mark items as gifts or declare a value lower than the actual purchase price for customs purposes.
Please ensure that your shipping address, telephone number, email address, and other contact information are accurate and complete.
If a package is returned due to an incorrect or incomplete address, unpaid customs duties, unpaid VAT/GST, unpaid import-related charges, refusal of delivery, or failed delivery attempts, the original shipping cost, return shipping cost, customs-related charges, and any reshipping costs will be the buyer’s responsibility.
International deliveries may occasionally experience delays due to customs procedures, inspections, local postal conditions, or other circumstances beyond our control.

Damage During Shipping:
In the unlikely event that your item arrives damaged, please contact us within 10 days of delivery and provide clear photos of:
* the damaged item
* the outer shipping box
* the inside packaging condition
* the shipping label
Please keep all packaging materials and the damaged item until the shipping carrier completes its investigation.
Minor imperfections consistent with the age and nature of vintage or antique items are not considered shipping damage.

Returns & Refunds:
All items are vintage or antique and sold as-is.
Due to the nature of vintage and antique items, we generally do not accept returns, cancellations, or refunds except where required by applicable law or covered by shipping insurance.
Returns or refunds are not accepted for reasons such as:
* change of mind
* customs delays
* minor differences in condition
* color differences
* texture variations
* size impression differences
* natural signs of age and wear
However, if severe loss or damage during shipping is officially confirmed through the shipping carrier’s insurance investigation, we will respond within the scope of the applicable insurance coverage.
For customers in the United Kingdom and European Union, applicable consumer protection laws, statutory cancellation rights, and cooling-off rights will take precedence where required by law.

Safety & Usage:
These items are decorative vintage or antique pieces intended for adult collectors.
They are not toys and are not suitable for direct food use.
Vintage ceramics may contain historical materials, pigments, or glazes that do not meet modern food safety standards.
We cannot guarantee suitability for use with modern food or beverages, or for use in a dishwasher, microwave, oven, over direct heat, or for direct cooking.
Please enjoy these items as decorative objects that bring quiet beauty and history into your space.
Handle with care and avoid prolonged exposure to moisture, direct sunlight, or heat.

Liability Disclaimer:
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, we cannot be held responsible for accidents, damage, allergic reactions, injury, loss, or other issues resulting from the improper use, handling, aging, restoration, transportation, display, or storage of vintage or antique items.
All products are sold as decorative vintage collectibles.
Customers are responsible for the appropriate handling, display, use, and storage of each item.
Nothing in this disclaimer excludes or limits any rights or remedies that cannot legally be excluded under applicable consumer protection laws.
By completing your purchase, you acknowledge that you have reviewed and accepted the product description, condition information, safety information, and applicable terms.

Additional Notes by Region:
■ United States
For shipments to the United States, import customs duties are not included in the displayed product price.
Applicable import duties will be calculated and collected separately at checkout where supported.
Shipping costs are also calculated and charged separately at checkout.
State and local taxes, including Sales Tax, may be calculated and collected at checkout according to applicable regulations.
California Proposition 65
Some vintage items may contain historical materials such as natural lacquer, pigments, metals, ceramics, or antique finishes.
This notice is provided for informational purposes only.
■ European Union
Our shop does not include EU import VAT, customs duties, customs clearance fees, handling charges, or other import-related charges in the displayed product price.
These charges may be collected before or upon delivery by Japan Post EMS, the local postal service, or the relevant customs authority.
These charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
Applicable consumer protection rights under EU law remain unaffected.
■ United Kingdom
For eligible orders, Etsy may collect UK VAT at checkout in accordance with applicable UK regulations. 
For higher-value orders, import VAT, customs duties, and any applicable handling fees may be collected upon delivery. 
The buyer will be considered the importer of record for customs purposes. 
This product is intended for decorative use only and is not suitable for food contact. 
UK Authorised Representative: Pointblank Promotions Ltd London, United Kingdom This product is shipped directly from Japan. 
The buyer is responsible for all import procedures and will be the importer of record for customs purposes.
■ Switzerland, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand
Import duties, VAT, GST, customs processing fees, handling fees, postal fees, carrier fees, or other import-related charges may apply according to local regulations.
These charges may be collected before or upon delivery and are the responsibility of the buyer.
For customers in Taiwan:
Registration with the EZ WAY app may be required for customs clearance.
■ Hong Kong
Hong Kong does not generally impose VAT or GST on imported goods at present.
However, customs clearance fees, postal handling fees, carrier fees, or other charges may apply depending on the shipment and delivery conditions.

Contact Us:
If you have any questions regarding our items, shipping, intended use, dimensions, condition, or import charges, please feel free to contact us before purchasing.
We are happy to assist you and will do our best to respond as promptly as possible.
Thank you for considering a piece from our kura. Each item carries a quiet story shaped by time in Japan.
This piece is part of our curated collection discovered in rural Japan.
On our official website, we share:
– the story of the kura, or traditional Japanese storehouse, where this item was discovered
– background on how similar objects were once used in everyday Japanese life
– exclusive collections and pieces not listed elsewhere
We hope these objects will continue their quiet journey with you.