Hakkebon – Black Lacquer Natural Wood Tea Tray with Blue Shell Inlay

Black Lacquer Hakkebon with Abalone Shell Raden

An elegant Hakkebon (八卦盆) crafted from katsura wood, finished with deep black cashew lacquer, and decorated with shimmering abalone shell using the traditional raden (螺鈿, shell inlay) technique.

The circular tray features the Hakke (八卦), or Eight Trigrams, rendered in luminous abalone shell. Against the rich black finish, the natural iridescence of the shell catches the light beautifully, revealing subtle shades of blue, green, silver, and violet as the tray is viewed from different angles.

This piece is a Gengensai Konomi-utsushi (玄々斎好写), reproduced in the style favored by Gengensai (玄々斎), the 11th-generation Grand Master of Urasenke.

Use in Urasenke Chanoyu

Within the Urasenke tradition, the Hakkebon is a specialized tea utensil traditionally used in Gyo-no-Gyo Daisu (行之行台子) practice.

For practitioners of Chanoyu, its connection to Gengensai and its role within Urasenke make it much more than a decorative tray. Its form, Hakke design, and raden decoration are all part of an established tea tradition passed down through generations.

What is Hakke?

Hakke (八卦), or the Eight Trigrams, are eight ancient symbols originating in Chinese philosophy and divination and closely associated with the I Ching (Book of Changes).

Each trigram is composed of three lines and represents fundamental aspects and forces of the natural world. Together, the eight symbols express concepts related to nature, change, balance, and the structure of the universe.

Their geometric forms create a particularly striking composition when arranged around the circular surface of the Hakkebon.

Raden – The Beauty of Abalone Shell Inlay

Raden (螺鈿) is a traditional decorative technique in which carefully prepared pieces of shell are inlaid into the surface to create luminous designs.

This Hakkebon uses natural abalone shell, prized for its beautiful iridescence. As the light changes, the shell reveals shifting tones of blue, green, silver, and violet, creating a striking contrast against the deep black background.

The restrained geometry of the Hakke combined with the natural brilliance of abalone shell gives the tray remarkable depth and elegance.

Beyond the Tea Room

While this Hakkebon has a specific place within Urasenke Chanoyu, its beauty can also be appreciated by those who do not practice the Way of Tea.

The tray may be used to serve tea or sweets, present seasonal items, or display treasured objects. It can also be enjoyed simply as a beautiful example of traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

Its combination of deep black finish, geometric symbolism, and shimmering abalone shell makes it equally at home in a tea room or a contemporary interior.

Details

• Type: Hakkebon (八卦盆)

• Design: Gengensai Konomi-utsushi (玄々斎好写)

• Tradition: Urasenke

• Traditional Use: Gyo-no-Gyo Daisu (行之行台子)

• Motif: Hakke (八卦) – Eight Trigrams

• Decoration: Raden (螺鈿) / Abalone Shell Inlay

• Shell: Natural Abalone Shell

• Material: Katsura Wood (桂)

• Finish: Black Cashew Lacquer

• Size: 11-sun (11寸)

• Outer Diameter: Approx. 33 cm / 13 in

• Inner Diameter: Approx. 29 cm / 11.4 in

• Height: Approx. 3.8 cm / 1.5 in

• Made in Japan