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Ryukyuan lacquer

Japan tradition · 5 examples · indicative market tier: Under $500 (entry level & living craft)

Ryukyuan lacquerware (Okinawan:Nuimun) is one of Ryukyuans' chief artistic products, and represents a form and style of lacquerware which is distinct from that of the surrounding cultures. Though distinct in its own ways, it is strongly influenced by Chinese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian modes. Ryukyuan lacquerware is distinguished by the use of inlaid seashells and various native Ryukyuan artistic motifs, and a strong tendency towards red lacquer. Wikipedia →

Types & examples

Cylindrical Box
Cylindrical Box, 1600s
Cleveland Museum of Art
Tray, Okinawa Main Island, Second Sho Dynasty, Ryukyu Kingdom, 18th-19th century, lacquere
Tray, Okinawa Main Island, Second Sho Dynasty, Ryukyu Kingdom, 18th-19th century, lacquere
Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Covered food box made in 19th-Ryukyu kingdom
Covered food box made in 19th-Ryukyu kingdom
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Offering stand, Ryukyu kingdom, Honolulu Museum of Art 3799.1
Offering stand, Ryukyu kingdom, Honolulu Museum of Art 3799.1
Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
Tray with design of dragons in clouds, Ryukyu Islands, 18th century AD, black lacquer with
Tray with design of dragons in clouds, Ryukyu Islands, 18th century AD, black lacquer with
Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Where to buy

1stDibsHigh-end antiques & design marketplaceBrowse listings → LiveAuctioneersAggregated live auctions worldwideBrowse listings → InvaluableAuction-house listings & price archiveBrowse listings → Christie'sMajor-auction results & upcoming salesBrowse listings → EtsyLiving artisans & vintage dealersBrowse listings → eBayBroad secondary market — vet sellers carefullyBrowse listings →

Each link opens a live, image-rich search for this craft on that marketplace. Listings rotate constantly; authenticate significant pieces independently — attribution quality varies widely outside museum collections.