Japanese Lacquerware Value & Price Guide

Japanese lacquerware, known as urushi, is a centuries-old craft celebrated for its lustrous finish and remarkable durability. Collectors prize these pieces for their intricate maki-e decorations and the meticulous process of layering sap from the lacquer tree.

Price Range: $150 - $200 based on recent sales

History of Japanese Lacquerware

The history of Japanese lacquerware dates back to the Jomon period, but it reached its artistic peak during the Edo and Meiji periods. Artisans developed complex techniques to create functional art for the ruling class, including tiered bento boxes (jubako) and ornate tea ceremony implements. Following the opening of Japan to the West in the late 19th century, lacquerware became a major export, blending traditional motifs with items suited for international tastes like jewelry boxes and trays.

Value Factors for Japanese Lacquerware

The typical price range for Japanese Lacquerware is $150 - $200 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The complexity of the decorative technique, such as the density of gold powder in maki-e designs.
• The age and historical period, with early 20th-century and Meiji-era items commanding higher prices.
• The physical condition of the lacquer, as repairs can be difficult and expensive to execute authentically.
• The reputation of the artist or the specific regional style, such as Wajima-nuri or Negoro-nuri.

Tips for Buying Japanese Lacquerware

• Examine the surface for fine cracks or peeling, as authentic urushi is sensitive to extreme dryness and UV light.
• Check for the weight and feel; genuine high-quality lacquerware often has a wood core rather than modern plastic or resin.
• Look for specific decorative techniques like maki-e (sprinkled gold/silver powder) or raden (mother-of-pearl inlays) which significantly increase value.
• Verify the age and provenance, especially for Meiji-era pieces which are highly sought after by serious collectors.

Items in This Collection

• Japanese Lacquer Music Jewelry Box
• Japanese Lacquer Plates
• Japanese Lacquerware Box
• Japanese Lacquerware Tray
• Japanese Lacquerware Bowl
• Japanese Lacquer Tea Caddy
• Japanese Lacquer Chopsticks
• Japanese Lacquer Music Box
• Japanese Lacquer Box
• Japanese Lacquer Tray
• Jubako