These sun-and-moon bowls, made famous by Rosanjin, are finished using sandalwood lacquer. They are made in a smaller size to match the needs of modern life. While standard sun-and-moon bowls are painted with black lacquer and finished using real gold and silver foil to depict the sun and moon, these bowls are further finished with a top coat of lacquer, characteristic of Byakudan-nuri.
Byakudan-nuri is a lacquering technique that skillfully uses the subtle transparency unique to lacquer, applying a coat of lacquer over gold or silver foil to reveal characteristic amber patterns.
While different craftsmen apply the foil and the lacquer, only skilled craftsmen can make such products, as a single chip in the foil or the smallest piece of lint can render a work unfit for sale.
While this design’s freehand drawings of the sun and moon express the atmosphere of Rosanjin’s sun-and-moon bowls, the glittering impression it gives off fits in well with modern lifestyles.