Antique Japanese Jubako in Wooden Storage Box, 1880s

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A beautiful antique Japanese Jubako — a tiered lacquer box traditionally used for serving and storing food during festive occasions, … Read more A beautiful antique Japanese Jubako — a tiered lacquer box traditionally used for serving and storing food during festive occasions, crafted in the early Meiji period (circa 1880).

Dimensions of the storage box: height 33 cm, width 21.5 cm, depth 24.5 cm.

The set consists of four stacking boxes and one lid, neatly stored in the original wooden case with a removable front panel and an iron carrying handle. The box, made of beautifully aged wood with a subtle grain pattern, serves both as protection and as an object of charm in its own right.

The jubako features a glossy black urushi lacquer exterior and a vivid vermilion-red interior — a classic Japanese color combination symbolizing elegance and celebration. Each box bears a small gold-painted mark 木 (“Ki”) on the underside, likely referring to the maker or workshop.

The piece shows a lovely authentic patina with light wear, color variations, and age-related traces, yet no cracks or structural damage.

Today, this is a rare and versatile find — perfect as a decorative object, or as a refined storage piece for jewelry, stationery, sewing supplies, or small collectibles. It also makes a striking centerpiece in a wabi-sabi or minimalist interior.

An object full of history that seamlessly blends craftsmanship, simplicity, and elegance. See less