Antique Japanese Sage Jubako, Four-Tier Black Lacquer with Gold Maki-e Orizuru and Pine, Meiji 1901 | SKU: 26J-0596

Antique Japanese Sage Jubako, Four-Tier Black Lacquer with Gold Maki-e Orizuru and Pine, Meiji 1901 | SKU: 26J-0596

A rare four-tier sage jubako in deep black lacquer with gold orizuru crane and pine maki-e decoration, dated Meiji 34 (1901), retaining its original carrying handle, tray base, and inscribed wooden storage box.

A jubako is a traditional Japanese stacked food box used to serve and present celebratory osechi ryori -- the elaborately prepared dishes enjoyed at New Year and other auspicious occasions. Assembled in tiers that nest securely one atop another, jubako conveyed both the bounty of the feast and the artistic sensibility of the household. This fine example, datable to Meiji 34 (1901) by the inscription on its accompanying wooden storage box, is a sage jubako -- a portable carrying form fitted with an integrated handle arch -- comprising four stacked tiers, a separate footed tray base, and a removable handle. Every exterior panel is richly decorated in gold lacquer on a deep black ground with compositions of orizuru (folded-paper cranes) alighting among sweeping matsu (pine) branches -- among the most auspicious pairings in Japanese iconography, symbolizing longevity, good fortune, and celebration. The chamfered corner profile, the confident brushwork of the gold decoration, and the quality of the lacquer surface are all consistent with fine Meiji period Japanese antique lacquerware. The wooden storage box bears a brush-written inscription referencing the Meiji 34 date, the designation "four tiers with handle," and the name Matsui -- indicating a documented provenance of over 120 years.

Today this extraordinary piece invites far more than seasonal use. Displayed fully assembled on a console table, sideboard, or living room accent shelf, the jubako commands attention as a dramatic objet d'art -- its jet-black lacquer and warm gold cranes reading beautifully against both natural wood tones and contemporary neutral palettes suited to Japandi style or wabi-sabi aesthetic interiors. Each individual tier can also be used as a refined jewellery box or desktop organizer, corralling rings, cufflinks, or small keepsakes behind a facade of museum-quality decoration. Collectors of Japanese antique lacquerware will recognize the rarity of a complete set retaining its original handle, base tray, and dated wooden storage box -- making this an exceptional gift for collectors or a landmark housewarming gift for anyone who appreciates handcrafted Japanese craft at its finest.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: Meiji, circa 1901 (Meiji 34), confirmed by inscription on wooden storage box
• Material: Wood core with black lacquer ground and gold lacquer maki-e decoration; wooden storage box with brush-written inscription
• Use: Stacked celebratory food box (jubako) for osechi ryori and New Year presentations; portable sage jubako form with carrying handle
• Modern Use: Striking living room or entryway decorative accent displayed fully assembled; individual tiers repurposed as jewellery box or desktop organizer; collector's centerpiece for Japanese antique lacquerware displays
• Features: Four stacking tiers with chamfered corners; integrated removable carrying handle arch; separate footed tray base; gold maki-e orizuru crane and matsu pine decoration on all exterior panels; complete original wooden storage box with Meiji 34 date inscription and "four tiers with handle" designation; textile carrying strap
• Dimensions: 7"W x 6 1/2"D x 10 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A documented masterwork of Meiji period Japanese antique lacquerware -- complete, dated, and inscribed -- bringing over a century of auspicious beauty into any modern home.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All antique items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.