Antique Japanese Picnic Lunch Box Set - 1920s Taisho Era (25D-350)

Antique Japanese Picnic Lunch Box Set, 1920s (SKU 25D-350)

Taishō-era portable picnic and tea service with copper kettles and lacquered jubako in an iron-bound wooden frame

This rare antique Japanese picnic lunch box set is a complete ryōri-oke ensemble, designed for outdoor gatherings, hanami, and travel during the early 20th century. Housed in a sturdy stained-wood frame with forged iron fittings and a swing handle, the set includes two square copper kettles—one with a pierced burner opening—and a suite of black lacquered food boxes that slide neatly into the lower tier.

The warm patina of the copper contrasts beautifully with the deep gloss of the urushi-style lacquer and the dark iron hardware, giving the piece a richly utilitarian aesthetic typical of the Taishō era. Both sculptural and functional, it displays wonderfully on a sideboard or tansu and can be repurposed as a unique bar, tea station, or storage piece that speaks to traditional Japanese hospitality and travel culture.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: Taishō period (circa 1920s)
• Material: Wood, copper, black lacquer, iron hardware
• Use: Portable picnic / lunch box set for food, tea, and sake service
• Features: Iron-bound wooden carrier; two square copper kettles (one with vented burner opening); multiple black lacquer food boxes including stacked jubako; hinged top panels; central iron carry handle; rich, aged patina
• Dimensions: 15 1/2"W x 7"D x 13 1/2"H
• Condition: Very good antique condition with age-appropriate wear, small surface marks, and patina to metal and lacquer

A handsome, authentic Taishō picnic set that brings the spirit of traditional Japanese outings and seasonal feasts into any curated interior.

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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 vintage and 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.