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Gouroku Wan (Bowl) / Ø12cm x h8.5cm

Hand-carved footed bowl finished with black urushi (lacquer). While the interior is a solid black, the thin black lacquer coat on the exterior gives it a subtle reddish black tone which will fade with age and use revealing more of the original wood color. (**see the final image )

Urushi craftsman Tadami Iwamoto carves each of his vessels and utensils without the use of a lathe, using only small tools to hollow out and shape each piece. The process is time consuming and limits the quantity of his output but results in forms that are organic and textured.

Traditionally producing urushi lacquerware requires the skills of two artisans, one with skilled in wood carving or turning to prepare the wood base and a second craftsman skilled in applying the urushi. Iwamoto-san performs both roles producing each of his vessel from start to finish.