{"product_id":"antique-japanese-red-lacquer-bowls-set-2-meiji-1895-kanji-sake-dishes-4-2","title":"Antique Japanese Red Lacquer Bowls Set 2 Meiji 1895 Kanji Sake Dishes 4.2\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eOverview\u003cbr\u003eAn exceptional paired set of authentic Meiji-era Japanese lacquered shallow dishes finished in vibrant vermilion-red urushi. Each shallow vessel features a bold gilded Kanji character for celebration (Iwai) prominently hand-painted across the central well, framed by delicate gold-gilt rim striping. The underside of each footed base reveals a historical hand-inscribed inscription dating the pair precisely to December 25, 1895 (Meiji 28). Perfectly sized for display as historical desktop accents, altar saucers, or shelf styling elements in Japandi, Wabi-Sabi, and curated antique collections. Includes complimentary, fully insured nationwide shipping.\u003cbr\u003eDeep Cultural \u0026amp; Historical Background\u003cbr\u003eDating from Japan's transformative Meiji Period (1868–1912), these ceremonial vessels (sakazuki) exemplify traditional urushi-nuri lacquerwork. Formed from finely turned hardwood, each saucer was sealed with multiple layers of natural cinnabar-pigmented resin. The central gilded calligraphy displays the character Iwai (祝), signifying congratulations, festivity, and sacred auspiciousness. Additional commemorative characters ring the outer convex walls. The hand-painted inscription beneath the foot ring reads Meiji Nijūhachi-nen Jūni-gatsu Nijūgo-nichi (明治廿八年 十二月廿五日), commemorating an honored winter event or milestone on December 25, 1895. Historically, sets of this caliber were commissioned for formal state celebrations, military honors, or high-society family banquets.\u003cbr\u003eCondition \u0026amp; Surface Character\u003cbr\u003ePreserved in authentic antique condition reflective of over 130 years of age. The red lacquer retains brilliant color saturation and a glossy mirror-like sheen. One vessel exhibits a minor shallow lacquer chip along the gold-accented rim perimeter, exposing the dark underlying ground layer beneath the lacquer coat. Faint surface micro-scratching and minor edge wear are present across both pieces, highlighting their historical lineage and genuine utility.\u003cbr\u003eDimensions, Shipping \u0026amp; Display\u003cbr\u003eHeight: 1.4 inches (each)\u003cbr\u003eWidth\/Diameter: 4.2 inches (each)\u003cbr\u003eDepth: 1.2 inches internal depth\u003cbr\u003eWeight Profile: Extremely lightweight, elevated footed base\u003cbr\u003eShipping: Free Standard Shipping (Fully Insured \u0026amp; Securely Boxed)\u003cbr\u003eMounting\/Display: Display stand not included (Object Only)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Belle Afrik Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60049570890014,"sku":"BA-0141","price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1081\/5176\/7326\/files\/il_fullxfull.8578346167_kwx0.jpg?v=1790371229","url":"https:\/\/belleafrikarts.com\/products\/antique-japanese-red-lacquer-bowls-set-2-meiji-1895-kanji-sake-dishes-4-2","provider":"Belle Afrik Arts","version":"1.0","type":"link"}