Vintage Japanese Lacquer Box, 1966 - 1989 (Late Showa) | SKU: 26M-775

Japanese Urushi Lacquer Box | Vintage Jewelry Box & Keepsake Storage, 1966-1989 (Late Showa), SKU 26M-775

A museum-quality urushi lacquerware box with gold mon crest inlay, housed in its original kiri wood storage box -- retailed at the prestigious Kuroe-ya lacquerware shop in Nihonbashi, Tokyo.

A lacquer box of this type is known in Japan as a "nuriko-bako" or simply a lacquerware keepsake box -- a traditional vessel used to store precious documents, correspondence, or ceremonial items. This exceptional example is finished in deep black urushi lacquer with a striking nashiji (gold-flecked) ground visible across the domed lid, creating the appearance of scattered gold dust suspended beneath a glassy surface. The lid is adorned with a boldly rendered gold mon -- a family crest medallion enclosing a stylized floral motif -- applied with precision in what appears to be kirikane or similar gold inlay technique. The interior is finished in an equally lustrous black lacquer, smooth and deep. The box rests within a fitted outer kiri (paulownia) wood storage case, a hallmark of fine Japanese lacquerware gifting tradition, which bears the original red retailer's seal from Kuroe-ya, a well-regarded lacquerware merchant established in Tokyo's historic Nihonbashi district. This provenance label confirms the piece was sold through a reputable specialty house, adding significant collector value to this handcrafted Japanese antique.

In a modern home, this vintage Japanese lacquer box makes a stunning jewelry box on a bedroom dresser, offering a wabi-sabi aesthetic counterpoint to contemporary interiors. Its generous interior depth suits it equally well as a desk organizer for storing correspondence, pens, or small valuables in a home office setting. The combination of deep black lacquer and gold mon crest gives it an unmistakable Japandi style presence -- equally at home displayed open as a living room accent piece or closed as a sculptural object on a console shelf. A truly unique housewarming gift or gift for collectors of Japanese antique lacquerware.

• Origin: Japan -- Tokyo (Nihonbashi), retailed by Kuroe-ya lacquerware merchant
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Urushi (Japanese lacquer) over wood body; nashiji gold-flecked lacquer on lid exterior; fitted kiri (paulownia) wood outer storage case
• Use: Storage of documents, letters, or ceremonial keepsakes; gifting presentation box
• Modern Use: Jewelry box or ring dish on a bedroom dresser; desk organizer for small valuables; decorative accent piece in a Japandi or minimalist living room
• Features: Deep black urushi lacquer body and interior; nashiji (gold-flecked) lacquer lid with domed profile; gold mon (family crest) medallion inlay on lid; fitted kiri wood outer storage case with original Kuroe-ya Nihonbashi retailer's seal; cloud-form cutout finger notch on box body side
• Dimensions: 10"W x 13"D x 4"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare signed example of Japanese antique lacquerware -- the black urushi finish and gold mon crest bring quiet luxury and centuries of craft tradition 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 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.