Vintage Japanese Lacquered Tissue Box Cover, Late Showa (1966-1989) | SKU: 26M-134-2

Vintage Japanese Lacquered Tissue Box Cover, Late Showa (1966-1989) | SKU: 26M-134-2

A sleek lacquered tissue box cover from Late Showa Japan -- rich amber-brown urushi-style finish with refined linear detailing.

A tissue box cover, known in Japan as a tisshu bokkusu kabaa, is a decorative sleeve designed to conceal an ordinary tissue box and elevate it into a considered household accent. This example, dating to the Late Showa period, is crafted from a wood core finished in a deep, warm amber-brown lacquer -- a color reminiscent of traditional negoro-nuri and characteristic of quality vintage Japanese craft from this era. The square cube form is clean and architectural, with the exterior surfaces left deliberately unadorned except for a band of incised parallel lines running around the lower portion of each side, adding quiet visual rhythm. The fitted lid features a large circular aperture to allow tissue to be drawn through, and the dark-lined interior provides a pleasing contrast to the glossy outer shell. The lacquer has a smooth, semi-gloss depth that speaks to careful handcrafted Japanese lacquerware technique.

Today, this versatile piece works beautifully far beyond its original purpose. Style it in a bathroom as a tissue cover for a refined, wabi-sabi aesthetic, or repurpose it on a home office desk as a compact storage cube for small supplies, stationery, or cables. With its deep, open interior and removable lid, it also makes a striking living room accent as a display vessel for dried botanicals or incense accessories -- an understated Japandi style statement that doubles as a unique housewarming gift for lovers of Japanese design.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Wood core with amber-brown lacquer finish; dark-lined interior
• Use: Decorative tissue box cover for home use
• Modern Use: Bathroom tissue box cover; home office desk organizer or storage cube; living room accent vessel for dried botanicals or incense accessories
• Features: Square cube form with removable lid; large circular aperture on lid; band of incised parallel lines around lower exterior panels; high-gloss lacquer exterior; dark-lined interior; clean mitered edges throughout
• Dimensions: 5 1/2"W x 5 1/2"D x 5 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A refined piece of vintage Japanese lacquerware that brings warmth, craftsmanship, and understated elegance to any modern interior.

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 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.