Kyoto Gift

My neighbor gave me a beautiful gift from her mother in Kyoto.

Lacquer ware is a hallmark craft of Japan and the Kyoto variety, called kyo-skikki, is very popular. Japanese lacquer ware originated in the Nara Period (710-794) and became widespread about 500 years later. Lacquer ware, urushi in Japanese, is widely used in tools and utensils in the Japanese tea ceremony. I am honored to receive such a beautiful traditional Japanese gift.