Ouchi Lacquerware Japanese Smoking Set

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Beautiful Ouchi lacquered wood smoking set in original kiri (paulownia) wood box, unused.

Ouchi lacquer comes from Yamaguchi City and dates back to the 12/13th centuries. Ouchi (important Feudal Lord/ Family) was a great patron of this lacquer and did much to promote it, hence it became known as Ouchi lacquer. Also, the Ouchi gold leaf diamond design, known as "Ouchi diamonds", was derived from the original Ouchi mon (family crest). The autumn grass pattern with the diamonds is the best loved design and the combination represents prosperity. Outside of Japan, the best known Ouchi pieces are the dolls. These dolls are generally roundish shape, highly lacquered and represent the emperor and empress. Ouchi products are very expensive in today's market with a set of dolls running roughly between $50 to $1,800 depending on the size.

This smoking set has some age but is in unused, mostly mint condition with some minor surface scratches. The tray has the diamond pattern on the raised ends and measures just over 12" long x 4-7/8" and is signed on the bottom. The ashtray has a removable copper lining and is 3-3/8" square. The covered box is 3-1/4" x 4-3/8".

Don't pass up this opportunity to get a hard to find piece even if you don't smoke -- use it as a desk set!

This product was added to our catalog on Thursday 13 September, 2007.