Shirakawa-go Japanese Tray

These beautiful trays are made from ‘hariko’ papier-mâché: a traditional Japanese craft where printed paper is layered over a mould made from wood or clay. The paper hardens solidly in shape but the tray remains light.

They’re made by the artisans of the Shinkogei workshop, founded by a local artist high up in the Hida mountains. Shinkogei depict everyday life and nature in their mountainous surroundings, their classic woodblock prints capturing the changing seasons and a slower pace of life.

Use it as a functional tray or even hang on the wall as a decorative print. Comes with a hook on the back to hang.

Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO world heritage site, a traditional village dating back to the 11th century. The village is remote in the mountains, and famous for its steeply thatched roofs and cosy architecture known as gasshō-zukuri.