This post is part of my 2015 Japan series. For the rest in the series, please see below.
Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo Marunouchi
Exploring Tokyo – Part One
Exploring Tokyo – Part Two
The Ritz Carlton Kyoto
Exploring Kyoto
Hiiragiya Ryokan – Kyoto
Souvenirs from Japan
I’ve been sharing snippets from our last Japan holiday for the last month or so now, and in that time I’ve received some questions/emails about shopping recommendations. Japan is such a mecca for all kind of goodies, but to be honest I didn’t do too much shopping on this trip. It was definitely in my plans, but we ended up just having too many other sights to see and food to eat! That being said, I did pick up a few souvenirs that I would like to share with you.
The first piece I’d like to share is this lacquered tray. I love Japanese and Chinese lacquer – the very best pieces involve so much technique, and so many steps in preparing and treating the wood, and the end results are gorgeous.
There are lots of places for wonderful lacquer at a variety of price points in Japan, but I found my treasures at Zohiko – probably the most famous lacquerware house in Kyoto. Zohiko has been creating beautiful lacquerware for more than 350 years and has an incredible collection.
We picked up a few items at Zohiko, but my favorite is probably this antique tray, from the 1940’s. It was from the Zohiko owner’s private family collection and in absolutely pristine condition. Both Mr. Feather and I were drawn to it on display, and thought it was just one of the new designs – we were so surprised to hear it was actually one of a kind, and over 70 years old!
I love the beautiful gold leaf work, and now the tray holds some small items that were given to us for our upcoming baby boy. Continue Reading
