Antique Japanese Jubako Stacking Box Sets with Storage Cabinet, Taisho 1912-1926 | SKU: 26M-105

Antique Japanese Jubako Stacking Box Sets with Storage Cabinet, Taisho 1912-1926 | SKU: 26M-105

A rare matching pair of lacquered jubako sets with a coordinating cabinet -- rich red urushi with delicate gold floral motifs throughout.

A jubako is a traditional Japanese stacking box used to present and store celebratory foods, most famously the osechi ryori prepared for the New Year. This extraordinary set goes well beyond a single jubako: the collection comprises two matching multi-tier stacking box sets, each with a fitted lid, alongside a tall cabinet-style outer case fitted with a hinged front panel and an array of smaller lacquered pull-out drawers in the upper section and a lower compartment that houses the stacking tiers when stored. Every surface -- exterior panels, drawer fronts, lids, and even the base trays -- is finished in a deep oxblood-red urushi lacquer and adorned with hand-painted gold floral sprays: trailing cherry blossoms, scattered petals, and chrysanthemum clusters rendered with confident, practiced brushwork. The interiors of each tier are lacquered in a vivid vermilion red, a classic combination in Japanese antique lacquerware that signals both festivity and fine craftsmanship. The scale, coordination, and completeness of this set speak to a household of considerable refinement during the Taisho period.

Today this remarkable set offers extraordinary versatility in a modern home. The stacking jubako tiers make stunning living room accent pieces -- displayed open on a sideboard or shelf, they become sculptural bowls ideal for holding decorative objects, correspondence, or small keepsakes. The compact lacquered drawers of the outer case work beautifully as bedroom decor storage for jewelry, hair accessories, or trinkets, while the cabinet as a whole commands attention as a dramatic entryway accent in a Japandi-style or wabi-sabi aesthetic interior. Collectors of antique Japanese craft will find few pieces this complete and visually cohesive. This set makes an exceptional housewarming gift or a centerpiece acquisition for any serious collector of Japanese antique lacquerware.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1912-1926 (Taisho)
• Material: Wood with red and vermilion urushi lacquer; gold-painted floral decoration
• Use: Jubako -- stacking boxes traditionally used to store and present celebratory osechi foods for the New Year; accompanied by a storage cabinet with pull-out drawers
• Modern Use: Decorative stacking bowls or display vessels on a sideboard; jewelry and trinket storage for a bedroom dresser; dramatic entryway or living room accent in a Japandi or wabi-sabi interior
• Features: Two matching multi-tier jubako sets each with a fitted lid; coordinating outer cabinet with hinged front panel, multiple pull-out lacquered drawers in the upper section, and a lower compartment housing the stacking tiers; deep oxblood-red exterior lacquer with hand-painted gold floral sprays on every surface; vivid vermilion red lacquered interiors; base trays included
• Dimensions: 10"W x 8"D x 16"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and complete set of Japanese antique lacquerware -- the rich red urushi and gold brushwork bring timeless Taisho 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 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.