Urushi Japanese Ki-Bachi Mixing Bowl / Decorative Bowl, 1930s

This large Japanese ki-bachi, a hand-carved wooden mixing bowl, dates from the 1930s. The bowl has a wide, low form with a strong silhouette, a black-lacquered rim and a deep red urushi-lacquered interior. The exterior shows the natural wood, with visible carving marks, dark patina and a beautifully weathered surface.

Dimensions: height 13 cm, diameter 56 cm.

Ki-bachi were traditionally used as wooden mixing bowls, often for food preparation or mixing ingredients. Today, this example is especially striking as a decorative object. Beautiful as a bowl for fruit, nuts, flowers or magazines, yet strong enough to stand empty as a sculptural centrepiece.

The combination of deep red urushi, black-lacquered rim and aged wood gives the bowl an immediate wabi-sabi presence. It brings warmth, depth and a natural Japanese accent to any minimalist, eclectic or stylish contemporary interior.

In very good vintage condition, with signs of use, patina and old visible repairs consistent with age and original use.