by ICHINAKA Yuukei (b.1939)
Heisei Period, 2012
Red on black lacquer, negoro
28 x 3.9 cm
Signed. Signed and sealed tomobako
An exquisitely elegant form carved from Japanese cypress, hinoki, and lacquered in black with a red finishing coat, negoro. The origin of this form can be dated back to at least the 13th century, when such spoons were being used in temple dining halls for the serving of rice and soup.