This set of five elegant chataku (tea saucers) are made from wood coated with traditional urushi lacquer, and is decorated with the traditional Japanese pattern 'kara-nuri' (唐塗/unique coating).

This pattern is characterized by the speckled spots made when lacquer is applied using a special pallet knife with multiple circular holes. After the lacquer dries, it is polished and another layer is added using the special tool.

This process repeats many times until the pattern is built up. Each product coated with this lacquer is a one-of-a-kind item due to the intricate and time-consuming nature of the craft. This process can be seen in action here: https://youtu.be/HxWFF_n0ikQ?t=1036

Dimensions:

12.2cm (4.8in) - width
1.8cm (0.7in) - height

Condition: Very good (one coaster has a minor chip pictured)

This vintage Japanese item ships from Thailand