Minneapolis Institute of Art

Round table

Japan

Date

16th century

Medium

Negoro ware, black- and red-lacquered wood with metal fittings

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

This elegant table originally would have held an incense burner or other ritual object placed before icons within a Buddhist temple. This type of red lacquer, known as Negoro ware, reflects Chinese influence in its overall shape and carved decor. Negoro is made by covering a base of black lacquer with red lacquer. Eventually, areas of red are rubbed away from repeated use, revealing the black beneath. The random pattern of red and black is highly valued by connoisseurs. Japan, Asia

The authoritative record is held by Minneapolis Institute of Art. LinkedCulture surfaces this object and its connections; it does not alter institutional metadata.