Vintage Black & Red Handcarved Wooden Tray – Japanese Ainu Style Nibutani-Ita

A hand-carved vintage wooden tray in Ainu style (the Indigenous people in northern Japan). Their process typically involves air-drying the wood for several years before carving to prevent cracking and ensure a stable finish. Ainu craftsmanship is known for detailed carving and symbolic patterns, and they became popular during Hokkaido’s tourism boom in the 1950s–70s. - Origin: Hokkaido, Japan - Size: Approx. 11.75in L × 7in W × 0.6in H - Estimated era: Likely late 1970s based on family travel history. The inconsistent alphabet spelling (e.g. Ashibetsu → ASIBETUS) implies 1960s–1980s. - Condition: Great vintage condition with a few marks from long-term storage. Please make sure to check the pictures and confirm the condition. Background: These were part of my grandmother’s collection in Japan. She spent decades finding well-made pieces, many of which are now vintage. I’ve kept many of them, but I’m running out of space, so I hope to find them a new home where they’ll be appreciated.