Japanese Lacquered Bowl with Grain Motif

Gold grass bends over a dark bowl, as if wind just passed through.

Japanese craftsmen made this lacquered bowl in bamboo in the 19th century. Lacquer decoration in gold is a long-standing Japanese tradition, and grass and reeds are among its favorite subjects. The deep, round bowl rests on a short footed base, with a pair of small gilt handles at the sides. Slender gold grass blades arc across the dark brown surface, with finer seed heads drawn among them, and more grass wraps the foot. The lacquer is smooth, with tiny marks of age.

About 14 inches wide and 6 inches high. A bowl for objects that deserve a little ceremony.