*SHIPPING OPTIONS VARY DEPENDING ON THE DESTINATION, PLEASE SCROLL TO THE END OF THIS LISTING FOR MORE DETAILS. This listing is for a set of five VERY SMALL urushi lacquerware plates made around 70-80 years ago. They are made of wood and coated in green lacquer decorated with a red ise spiny lobster. Ise ebi symbolize longevity because the back of a lobster is curled just like an elderly person, and are a popular motif during New Year. These plates are suitable for serving sweets or can be used for side dishes during special meals. Urushi lacquerware refers to products that have been coated in natural lacquer collected from urushi trees. The process for lacquering items is long and very labour intensive, each item requiring multiple layers of lacquer that may take anywhere from six months to two years to complete. Heat and humidity are required to dry lacquer evenly and consistently, so Japan’s rainy season and summer months are ideal for this process. Urushi products are not only beautiful but also strong. Makie refers to a crafting technique in Japan from presumably the Nara period. Craftsmen sprinkle gold or silver metal powder over successive layers of lacquer before it dries. Traditionally pure gold powder, pure gold flakes, and pure silver powder were used to complete motifs on lacquerware. The process of applying gold or silver powder requires both time and skill. At first the craftsman sketches out the design. He or she then adds charcoal powder to the base of the relief, and then a layer of urushi lacquer. Gold or silver powder is sprinkled over the wet lacquer, which acts as an adhesive. The surface is polished and then the process is repeated over and over until a beautiful raised pattern appears. Makie can also be other colours such as red, like the plates in this listing. Size H.2.8cm (1.1”) x Dia.11.2cm (4.4”) Condition The entire set is in very good condition with only light wear. THESE ARE SHIPPING ESTIMATES BASED ON THE CURRENT GLOBAL SITUATION **Germany, France, Greece, Spain, Poland, Austria, Slovakia, Lithuania, Slovenia: NO SHIPPING. Very strict and expensive packaging laws in place and we are not licensed to send products to these countries. We have no plan to register at this time because the process is in some cases very expensive and complicated, plus each country has its own set of regulations and application process. **USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway: Airmail Small Packet (approx. 15-28 days). Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail Small Packet (please send us a message). **Asia: Airmail Small Packet (approx. 15-21 days). Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail Small Packet (please send us a message). **Central Asia, Middle East, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico: EMS Express 10-15 days. **Russia: No shipping methods available.
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