{"product_id":"japanese-wooden-round-bowl-handcrafted-natural-grain-zen-tableware-minimalist-kitchen-decor-serving-dish-rustic-wabi-sabi-art-tray","title":"Japanese Wooden Round Bowl | Handcrafted Natural Grain | Zen Tableware | Minimalist Kitchen Decor | Serving Dish | Rustic Wabi Sabi Art Tray","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Story Behind This Piece:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the deep heart of the Chugoku Mountains in northern Hiroshima Prefecture, where winter blankets the earth in thick, pristine snow, stood an ancient minka (traditional Japanese farmhouse). This village once flourished as a hub for \"Tatara\" ironmaking, a place where people lived in harmony with the bountiful forests. From the deepest corner of the \"Kita-kura\" (North Granary) of this manor—home to a lineage of village headmen for generations—this circular wooden tray quietly emerged into the light of the modern era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tray was crafted in the early Showa period, approximately 90 years ago. During that time, in the mountainous regions of Hiroshima, skilled woodworkers and lacquer artists collaborated to create tools that embodied \"Yo-no-bi\" (the Beauty of Utility)—finding profound aesthetic value in everyday objects. This circular tray, or \"Maru-bon,\" is a masterpiece of that heritage. The most striking feature is its magnificent grain. The powerful \"Tamamoku\" (burl grain) radiating from the center like ripples on a pond, coupled with the complex patterns of concentric growth rings, captures the very essence of time lived by a tree hundreds of years old.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original owner of this tray was the matriarch of the household. In those days, the manor was a vibrant gathering place for the community, hosting everything from Kagura (sacred dance) rehearsals to village festival planning. On freezing winter nights, she would carry warm tea and sweets on this very tray to the men gathered around the \"Irori\" (sunken hearth) and the women working in the kitchen. The \"Fuki-urushi\" (wiped lacquer) finish gently transmitted the warmth of the tea bowls to her hands, growing glossier with every use. This tray was more than a mere utensil; it was a silent facilitator of human connection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, as Japan entered the period of rapid economic growth following the war, lifestyles shifted dramatically. Mass-produced plastics and inexpensive imported tableware replaced the labor-intensive lacquerware and heavy wooden goods. One spring, during a major housecleaning, this tray was wrapped carefully in \"Hoshogami\" (high-quality ceremonial paper), placed inside a paulownia wood box, and moved to the back of the storehouse. \"We don't use this anymore,\" they said. More than half a century passed. The stable humidity and cool darkness of the storehouse acted as a providential protector for the wood. The lacquer matured, the wood stabilized, and a beauty known as \"fukaku\" (solemn dignity)—something unattainable in new products—was naturally cultivated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reason this tray has been brought out from the storehouse now is a recent cleaning of the estate following a change in ownership. The moment the dust-covered box was opened, a vibrant wood grain that seemed to emit a dull glow even in the shadows was revealed. It felt like a silent testament to the \"sanctity of handwork\" that we are losing in today’s fast-paced world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn terms of modern value, this tray possesses an incomparable \"Mingei\" (folk art) significance. It embodies the spirit championed by Soetsu Yanagi: the beauty of utilitarian objects made by anonymous craftsmen for ordinary people. It has an unadorned yet unwavering presence. Furthermore, it represents the pinnacle of \"Wabi-Sabi\"—the aesthetic of finding beauty in imperfection and transience. The faint scuffs on the surface are the memories of family gatherings once held in that great house, the proud evidence of the history this tray has traversed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntegrating this tray into a modern lifestyle is not just about decorating with an antique. It is an invitation to bring the memory of the life nurtured in the lush forests of Hiroshima to your table. Carrying a cup of carefully brewed tea in the morning light or serving a home-cooked meal in the silence of the night—each time, the strength of the Zelkova wood and the softness of the lacquer will provide a \"punctuation mark\" in your busy daily life. Having traveled through time from the darkness of the storehouse to the light of the present, this tray is ready to begin a new 100-year story in your hands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eCondition \u0026amp; Notes:\u003cbr\u003ePlease note before purchasing.\u003cbr\u003eThis is a vintage or antique item sold as-is.\u003cbr\u003eDue to age and long-term storage, natural signs of wear and aging may be present, including:\u003cbr\u003e* small scratches or scuffs\u003cbr\u003e* fading or discoloration\u003cbr\u003e* glaze irregularities or imperfections\u003cbr\u003e* crackling (crazing), kiln marks, or gold wear\u003cbr\u003e* slight warping or age-related changes in wooden parts\u003cbr\u003eVintage and antique items may also carry natural storage-related scents from wood, paper, lacquer, smoke, or long-term preservation environments.\u003cbr\u003eThese characteristics are part of the individuality, historical character, and quiet beauty that vintage Japanese items carry.\u003cbr\u003eThey are not flaws, but the gentle traces of time.\u003cbr\u003eWe kindly ask for your understanding that vintage and antique items differ from newly manufactured products.\u003cbr\u003eWe do our best to show all notable details in the photos, but some small imperfections may not be fully visible.\u003cbr\u003ePlease review the dimensions carefully before purchasing, as photos may make items appear larger or smaller depending on display settings and shooting conditions.\u003cbr\u003ePlease note that colors may appear slightly different depending on lighting conditions and screen settings.\u003cbr\u003eOnly the items shown in the photos are included unless otherwise stated.\u003cbr\u003eDisplay stands, decorative props, or accessories used for photography are not included unless explicitly stated.\u003cbr\u003eThank you for appreciating the character and spirit of these timeworn pieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight: 5.0 cm (1.97 in)\u003cbr\u003eDepth: 14.6 cm (5.75 in)\u003cbr\u003eWidth: 14.6 cm (5.75 in)\u003cbr\u003eBase: 7.6 cm (2.99 in)\u003cbr\u003eMaximum Circumference: 49.6 cm (19.53 in)\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 165 g (5.82 oz)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShipping Information:\u003cbr\u003eAll items are shipped from Hiroshima, Japan.\u003cbr\u003eOrders are usually dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment is confirmed.\u003cbr\u003eFor shipments to the United States, we use DHL Express or UPS with full tracking and insurance.\u003cbr\u003eFor all other destinations, orders are shipped via DHL Express, UPS, or Japan Post EMS depending on the destination and shipping conditions.\u003cbr\u003eEach item is carefully packed with protective materials to ensure safe delivery.\u003cbr\u003eEstimated delivery time is approximately 7–14 business days depending on customs procedures, local delivery conditions, weather disruptions, and customs inspections.\u003cbr\u003eInternational Buyers – Duties, VAT \u0026amp; Taxes:\u003cbr\u003eImport duties \/ customs duties are covered by us for all available shipping destinations.\u003cbr\u003eHowever, VAT, GST, consumption taxes, customs processing fees, carrier handling fees, and other local import-related charges are not included in the item price unless otherwise stated.\u003cbr\u003eThese charges are the responsibility of the buyer.\u003cbr\u003eDepending on your country’s regulations, these charges may be collected either by local customs authorities or by the shipping carrier upon delivery.\u003cbr\u003eFor many higher-value international orders, VAT\/GST and import-related processing charges are commonly collected at the time of delivery.\u003cbr\u003ePlease note that free shipping or customs duty coverage does not mean that VAT\/GST or local import-related charges are included.\u003cbr\u003eEven when customs duties are covered by us, VAT\/GST and local import-related charges may still be payable separately by the buyer upon delivery.\u003cbr\u003eWe do not mark items as gifts or under-declare their value for customs purposes.\u003cbr\u003ePlease ensure that your shipping address and contact information are accurate and complete.\u003cbr\u003eIf a package is returned due to an incorrect address, unpaid VAT\/GST or import-related charges, refusal, or failed delivery, all return and reshipping costs are the buyer’s responsibility.\u003cbr\u003eInternational deliveries may occasionally experience delays due to customs procedures or local postal conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDamage During Shipping:\u003cbr\u003eIn the unlikely event that your item arrives damaged, please contact us within 10 days of delivery and provide clear photos of:\u003cbr\u003e* the damaged item\u003cbr\u003e* the outer shipping box\u003cbr\u003e* the inside packaging condition\u003cbr\u003e* the shipping label\u003cbr\u003ePlease keep all packaging materials and damaged items until the shipping carrier completes the investigation.\u003cbr\u003eMinor imperfections consistent with the nature of vintage or antique items are not considered shipping damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReturns \u0026amp; Refunds:\u003cbr\u003eAll items are vintage or antique and sold as-is.\u003cbr\u003eDue to the nature of vintage and antique items, we generally do not accept returns, cancellations, or refunds except where required by law or covered by shipping insurance.\u003cbr\u003eReturns or refunds are not accepted for reasons such as:\u003cbr\u003e* change of mind\u003cbr\u003e* customs delays\u003cbr\u003e* minor differences in condition\u003cbr\u003e* color differences\u003cbr\u003e* texture variations\u003cbr\u003e* size impression differences\u003cbr\u003e* natural signs of age and wear\u003cbr\u003eHowever, if severe loss or damage during shipping is officially confirmed by the carrier’s insurance, we will respond within the scope of the insurance coverage.\u003cbr\u003eFor customers in the UK and EU, applicable consumer protection laws and cooling-off rights will take precedence where required by law.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSafety \u0026amp; Usage:\u003cbr\u003eThese items are decorative vintage or antique pieces intended for adult collectors.\u003cbr\u003eThey are not toys and are not suitable for direct food use.\u003cbr\u003eVintage ceramics may contain historical materials or glazes that do not meet modern food safety standards.\u003cbr\u003eWe cannot guarantee suitability for modern food, beverage, dishwasher, microwave, oven, or direct cooking use.\u003cbr\u003ePlease enjoy them as decorative objects that bring quiet beauty and history into your space.\u003cbr\u003eHandle with care and avoid prolonged exposure to moisture, direct sunlight, or heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiability Disclaimer:\u003cbr\u003eWe cannot be held responsible for any accidents, damage, allergic reactions, injury, loss, or issues resulting from the use, handling, aging, restoration, transportation, or storage of vintage or antique items.\u003cbr\u003eAll products are sold as decorative vintage collectibles, and customers are responsible for proper handling, display, usage, and storage.\u003cbr\u003eBy completing your purchase, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditional Notes by Region:\u003cbr\u003e■ United States\u003cbr\u003eState taxes, such as Sales Tax, may be collected according to local regulations.\u003cbr\u003eCalifornia Proposition 65:\u2028Some vintage items may contain historical materials such as natural lacquer, pigments, metals, or antique finishes. This notice is provided for informational purposes only.\u003cbr\u003e■ European Union (EU)\u003cbr\u003eOur shop is not registered for IOSS or EU VAT collection.\u003cbr\u003eImport VAT, customs processing fees, handling charges, or other import-related charges may be collected upon delivery according to local regulations.\u003cbr\u003eThese charges are the responsibility of the buyer.\u003cbr\u003e■ United Kingdom\u003cbr\u003eOur shop is not registered for UK VAT collection.\u003cbr\u003eImport VAT and related charges may be collected upon delivery.\u003cbr\u003eThe buyer will be considered the importer of record for customs purposes.\u003cbr\u003e■ Switzerland, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand\u003cbr\u003eImport VAT\/GST, customs processing fees, handling fees, carrier fees, or other import-related charges may apply according to local regulations.\u003cbr\u003eFor Taiwan:\u2028Registration with the EZ WAY app may be required for customs clearance.\u003cbr\u003e■ Hong Kong\u003cbr\u003eHong Kong currently does not generally impose VAT\/GST on imported goods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContact Us:\u003cbr\u003eIf you have any questions regarding our items, shipping, usage, dimensions, or condition, please feel free to contact us before purchasing.\u003cbr\u003eWe’re happy to assist you and will do our best to respond as promptly as possible.\u003cbr\u003eThank you for considering a piece from our kura — each item carries a quiet story shaped by time in Japan.\u003cbr\u003eThis piece is part of our curated collection discovered in rural Japan.\u003cbr\u003eOn our official website, we share:\u003cbr\u003e– the story of the kura (traditional Japanese storehouse) where this item was discovered\u2028– background on how similar objects were once used in everyday life\u2028– exclusive collections and pieces not listed elsewhere\u003cbr\u003eWe hope these objects will continue their quiet journey with you.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"meguru","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51907901817118,"sku":"A01-179","price":32940.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0954\/8451\/0494\/files\/IMG_7249.jpg?v=1780017795","url":"https:\/\/megurujapan.com\/products\/japanese-wooden-round-bowl-handcrafted-natural-grain-zen-tableware-minimalist-kitchen-decor-serving-dish-rustic-wabi-sabi-art-tray","provider":"meguru","version":"1.0","type":"link"}