Tray in a hexagonal form with sloping sides and a flat rim, set on a sloping hexagonal foot, the face with relief ornamentation of intersecting water designs and the rim with repeating linear designs. Of black and red lacquers, executed in roiro or polished mirror-black lacquer alternating with kawari-nuri techniques that incorporate ground and textured lacquers, the rims of applied silver. By Tonami Sosai I, the go or art name of Tonami Hikotaro, 1857 – 1956. Early Showa era, circa 1929 – 1935.

With the tomobako or original box, inscribed on the exterior of the lid: Mizu Moyo Rokkaku Moriki or Water Motif Hexagonal Tray for Fruit: and signed on the reverse: Nurishi Sosai or Lacquerer Sosai, and sealed twice: Sosai.

Tonami Sosai I worked in Kanazawa. He exhibited a lacquer cabinet at the 10th Teiten in 1929 and a lacquer vase at the 12th Teiten in 1931. Stylistically both pieces share with this tray a strong geometric motif.

A play of curved and flat surfaces complements the high polished and roughly textured grounds, the boldly modernist design and stark color palette. A brilliant example of early modern lacquer art.