Japanese Carved Keyaki Wood Lotus Tray (Wagatabon), Meiji Period

Name: Japanese Carved Keyaki Wood Lotus Tray (Wagatabon), Meiji Period
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1187450
Availability: SoldOut

19th century

Sold by Ritas Bazaar

Description

A large Japanese carved wooden tray in the wagatabon tradition, dating from the Meiji period (1868–1912). The design comprises two connected trays: a large rectangular lower tray and a smaller raised oval tray, joined by an organic carved handle formed from intertwined lotus stems.

Both trays are richly carved with scrolling lotus leaves and stems, with two small lotus seed pods carved fully in the round. The upper tray incorporates a pierced lotus blossom element, adding visual lightness and refinement. The carving is confident and well defined, showing careful control of depth and movement.

Carved from solid quarter-sawn keyaki (Japanese zelkova), the tray displays warm red-brown tones and a natural patina consistent with age. Keyaki was highly valued in Japan for its durability, fine grain and decorative qualities, making it a favoured material for high-quality functional objects.

The lotus (hasu) is a powerful symbol in Japanese culture, associated with purity and enlightenment, rising unstained from muddy water — a theme clearly and deliberately expressed in this design.

Measurements

Length: 62 cm (24.4?)

Width: 38 cm (15.0?)

Height: 3 cm (1.2?)

Condition

Very good overall condition. A small chip is present to the underside, which does not affect appearance or use. Otherwise excellent, with strong carving detail and a pleasing aged surface.

Physical Dimensions

Height

3cm (1.18")

Width

38cm (14.96")

Depth

62cm (24.41")

Declaration

Ritas Bazaar has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1187450

Dealers Internal Reference

B1586

Description

A large Japanese carved wooden tray in the wagatabon tradition, dating from the Meiji period (1868–1912).

“

The design comprises two connected trays: a large rectangular lower tray and a smaller raised oval tray, joined by an organic carved handle formed from intertwined lotus stems.

Ritas Bazaar

fig 1. Japanese carved keyaki wood lotus tray (wagatabon), Meiji period — fig 1. Japanese Carved Keyaki Wood Lotus Tray (Wagatabon), Meiji Period

Both trays are richly carved with scrolling lotus leaves and stems, with two small lotus seed pods carved fully in the round. The upper tray incorporates a pierced lotus blossom element, adding visual lightness and refinement. The carving is confident and well defined, showing careful control of depth and movement.

fig 2. Japanese carved keyaki wood lotus tray (wagatabon), Meiji period — fig 2. Japanese Carved Keyaki Wood Lotus Tray (Wagatabon), Meiji Period

Carved from solid quarter-sawn keyaki (Japanese zelkova), the tray displays warm red-brown tones and a natural patina consistent with age. Keyaki was highly valued in Japan for its durability, fine grain and decorative qualities, making it a favoured material for high-quality functional objects.

fig 3. Japanese carved keyaki wood lotus tray (wagatabon), Meiji period — fig 3. Japanese Carved Keyaki Wood Lotus Tray (Wagatabon), Meiji Period

The lotus (hasu) is a powerful symbol in Japanese culture, associated with purity and enlightenment, rising unstained from muddy water — a theme clearly and deliberately expressed in this design.

Measurements

fig 4. Japanese carved keyaki wood lotus tray (wagatabon), Meiji period — fig 4. Japanese Carved Keyaki Wood Lotus Tray (Wagatabon), Meiji Period

Length: 62 cm (24.4?)

Width: 38 cm (15.0?)

Height: 3 cm (1.2?)

Condition

Very good overall condition. A small chip is present to the underside, which does not affect appearance or use. Otherwise excellent, with strong carving detail and a pleasing aged surface.