Lacquer Mamesara Series of Animal Paintings of the Edo Period

This is a small-sized, cute dish called a “mame-sara" (bean dish), which has not been seen in lacquerware until now. The grain of the wood can be seen through the "mejiri" lacquered finish, which gives the dish the warmth and softness of the wood. It can be used as a small plate for sweets, snacks, and drinks. It is also recommended as a coaster.Animal patterns drawn in the Edo period in Japan are painted on a lacquered finish with visible wood grain.