Owan Set of Five Owan with Cherry Blossom Maki-e by Genshindō

Behind the name Genshindō is a lacquer workshop in Sabae, the center of Echizen lacquer art in Fukui Prefecture, which specializes above all in bowls. Its name appears on the wooden box of this set, which also comes with a card referring to Echizen.

Five suimono-wan in glossy black bear on the lid a band of cherry blossoms in orange and gold, interwoven with fine pine needles – a motif that unites spring and constancy in a single image. A special refinement only reveals itself when the lid is lifted: the inside of the lids is also decorated with pine needles in maki-e, so that on opening, the guest discovers a second, quieter picture.

Each bowl measures about 15 cm in diameter and 8 cm in height and weighs around 175 g. The bowls date from the Heisei period, are nearly unused and come in their signed wooden box. Intended for clear soups in kaiseki cuisine, they also add an elegant accent to a spring table or as a gift for a host.