Antique Japanese Five-Tier Maki-e Lacquer Jubako with Original Kiri Wood Storage Box, Meiji 1868-1911 | SKU: 26J-0840

Antique Japanese Five-Tier Maki-e Lacquer Jubako with Original Kiri Wood Storage Box, Meiji 1868-1911 | SKU: 26J-0840

A five-tier antique urushi lacquer jubako with continuous gold maki-e floral and butterfly decoration -- presented in its original inscribed wooden storage box.

A jubako is a traditional Japanese stacking box set used to present and serve celebratory foods, most commonly prepared for the New Year season (oshogatsu) and other auspicious occasions. This exceptional five-tier example dates to the Meiji era (1868-1911) and represents the highest level of handcrafted Japanese lacquerware from that period. Each square tier is finished in a deep, lustrous black urushi lacquer exterior, while the interiors are coated in a warm red-brown lacquer -- a classic pairing in fine Japanese antique lacquerware. The exterior panels carry a continuous gold maki-e composition of chrysanthemums, wildflowers, and butterflies that flows seamlessly across all tiers when stacked, demonstrating the refined coordination expected of a commission-quality set. The gold rims edging each tier add further elegance and structural definition. The set retains its original kiri wood (paulownia) storage box, brush-inscribed to identify the contents as a fine gold five-set stacking box and bearing a named owner inscription -- a remarkable mark of individual provenance rarely seen with surviving sets of this quality.

In a modern home, this jubako set functions beautifully well beyond the dining table. Displayed as a stacked tower on a sideboard, console table, or living room shelf, it reads as a striking sculptural object -- the deep black lacquer and gold botanical motifs bringing a wabi-sabi aesthetic and Japandi style warmth to any interior. Each tier can also be used individually as a jewelry box, keepsake box, or desk organizer for small treasures; the fitted wooden storage box itself doubles as a display pedestal or entryway accent. For collectors of Japanese antique lacquerware, this piece -- complete with its original storage box and provenance inscription -- is an exceptionally rare and meaningful find, and makes a distinguished gift for Japanophiles or serious collectors of Asian decorative arts.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: Meiji, 1868-1911
• Material: Wood with black urushi lacquer exterior; red-brown lacquer interior; gold maki-e decoration; original kiri wood (paulownia) storage box with iron handle
• Use: Ceremonial stacking food box set (jubako) for presenting celebratory and seasonal foods
• Modern Use: Sculptural living room display object; individual tiers as jewelry boxes or desk organizers; storage box repurposed as an entryway or sideboard accent
• Features: Five stackable square lacquer tiers; continuous gold maki-e design of chrysanthemums, wildflowers, and butterflies spanning all tiers; gold-edged rims; warm red-brown lacquered interiors; original inscribed wooden storage box with iron carry handle; named owner inscription adds individual provenance
• Dimensions: 8 1/2"W x 7 3/4"D x 13"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and complete example of antique Japanese lacquerware -- a five-tier maki-e jubako with original storage box that brings centuries of ceremonial craft and natural beauty into any modern home or collection.

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.