Vintage Japanese Lacquerware | Set of 10 Bowls with Lids | Urushi Vermilion Red | Gold Rim | Miso Soup Bowl | Japan Tableware | Dinner Party

The Story Behind This Piece:

Deep within the hinterlands of northern Hiroshima, nestled in the Chugoku Mountains, lies the Geihoku region—a land defined by its profound silence and heavy winter snows. Here, in the sprawling "Kominka" (traditional folk house) of a former village headman, stood a "Kura" (storehouse) with thick earthen walls, designed specifically to protect treasures from the harsh elements. For decades, it served as a vessel for stopping time. Recently, from the innermost depths of a long-forgotten lacquer chest, these "Vermilion Lacquer Soup Bowls with Gold Rims" were awakened, their crimson hue as vivid as the day they were first finished.

Crafted in the early Showa period (1930s), these bowls represent the zenith of Japanese hand-tooling. In those days, the wealthy landowners of northern Hiroshima fostered a surprisingly sophisticated culture, inviting traveling artisans and scholars to their estates during the long, snowbound winters. These bowls were bespoke masterpieces, commissioned specifically for "Hare-no-hi" (sacred celebratory days) such as weddings or New Year’s festivities. To ensure that soup remained piping hot in the freezing mountain air, the wood was turned with intentional thickness before layers upon layers of premium "Hon-urushi" (natural lacquer) were applied in a painstaking process that took months to complete.

Holding these bowls, one is struck by a "heavy lightness"—a paradox found only in genuine artisan lacquerware. The deep, immersive vermilion was calculated to glow most brilliantly when illuminated by the flickering flames of an "Irori" (sunken hearth) against the backdrop of a white, snowy world outside. As the lid is lifted, the delicate gold rim catches the amber light of the hearth, and through the rising steam, one can almost see the portraits of the generations who once gathered around this table. This is the very pinnacle of the Japanese aesthetic of "In'ei Raisan" (In Praise of Shadows), where beauty is not found in glaring light, but in the subtle textures revealed by darkness.

The reason these bowls were consigned to the Kura for so long lies in the dramatic social shifts of the 20th century. Following post-war land reforms and the modernization of rural life, the traditional role of the village headman dissolved, and the grand culture of formal entertaining began to fade. These precious vessels, considered too sacred for everyday use, were carefully sequestered in the storehouse to protect them from the chaos of modern life. Ironically, this isolation provided the perfect "curing" environment for the lacquer. In the consistent humidity and darkness of the Kura, the lacquer molecules bonded more tightly over nearly a century, evolving into a luster more profound and durable than anything produced today.

The decision to release these bowls now stems from the current owner’s heartfelt desire to see them "live" again as functional tools. As the ancestral estate faces a turning point—renovation or transition—there is a profound wish not to let these masterpieces become dead museum pieces. Instead, by placing them in the hands of those who cherish the art of dining, the owner hopes to breathe new life into them. This act is a liberation of the spirits of the ancestors who lived alongside these vessels in the snowy highlands of Geihoku.

Today, we see in these bowls an overwhelming "Mingei" (folk art) value. They were born from the selfless devotion of anonymous craftsmen who thought only of the warmth in the user’s palm. This honest accumulation of handwork has, through the passage of time, donned a unique aura known as "Wabi-sabi"—the beauty of the authentic and the aged. The infinitesimal wear on the edges and the deep glow rising from beneath the vermilion are a collaborative art form between nature and time that cannot be replicated.

To welcome these Showa-era treasures into a modern home is to inherit a fragment of the "mindful living" once practiced in the mountain manors of northern Hiroshima. Whether used for a New Year’s Ozoni or a quiet evening meal, these bowls possess the power to transform the quality of a space and slow the flow of time. As you use them, the lacquer will continue to grow and adapt to your touch, achieving a state of "Keinen Bika" (beauty that increases with age). This is more than tableware; it is a cultural legacy nurtured by the climate and history of Hiroshima, a soulful companion meant to be cherished for a lifetime.

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:

Height: 8.8 cm (3.46 in)
Base Diameter: 6.0 cm (2.36 in)
Rim Diameter: 11.4 × 11.4 cm (4.49 × 4.49 in)
Maximum Circumference: 36.4 cm (14.33 in)
Weight: 110 g (3.88 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.