A vintage lacquerware kashi-ire from 1970s. This is a traditional Japanese sweet container, often used in tea ceremonies or for offering wagashi (和菓子) to guests. Crafted with a distinctive rounded body and smooth curves, the container features a refined black and deep vermilion-red lacquer finish, accentuated with delicate gold leaf motifs.
It is commonly used in tea ceremonies or when hosting guests to present sweets in an elegant and respectful manner. In formal tea ceremonies, sweets are offered before drinking the tea. The sweets are usually served in a beautiful kashi-ire made of lacquerware, ceramic, or sometimes wood or bamboo.
In everyday settings, a simpler 菓子入れ might be used as a candy or snack bowl at home. Some kashi-ire are crafted artistically and used as decorative items, particularly in traditional Japanese households. The lid is crowned with a glossy black finial, tied with a braided cord and tassel, adding a subtle decorative flourish typical of mid-century Japanese design. The golden crests (kamon) and botanical embellishments symbolize traditional aesthetics and elevate the piece's ceremonial charm.
