Vintage Japanese Lacquer Fubako (Lidded Box) with Raised Mon Medallions, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26M-008-2

Vintage Japanese Lacquer Fubako (Lidded Box) with Raised Mon Medallions, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26M-008-2

A handcrafted lacquer storage box adorned with bold raised mon motifs -- a striking piece of vintage Japanese craft from the Late Showa era.

A fubako is a traditional Japanese lidded box used to store letters, documents, or personal keepsakes, and this example exemplifies the artisan spirit of Late Showa craftsmanship. The box is constructed from a richly grained dark hardwood -- likely keyaki (zelkova) or a similar close-grained species -- finished with a warm, burnished tone that deepens the natural figure of the wood. The lid features two overlapping roundel medallions rendered in raised lacquerwork: one in deep crimson depicting a leaping deer (shika) enclosed in a circular border, and a second in dark charcoal-green bearing geometric and character-like relief patterns. The medallions are applied with confident, sculptural strokes that give the surface a three-dimensional quality reminiscent of seal impressions, and a small artist's signature appears near the lower right corner. The sliding lid fits cleanly into the shallow tray base, revealing a plain, smooth interior ready to receive its contents.

Today this vintage Japanese lacquer box translates effortlessly into a modern home. Its compact, flat-profile form makes it ideal as a bedroom decor accent on a nightstand or dresser -- perfect for storing rings, earrings, or small jewelry. On a home office desk it serves as a refined catch-all for business cards, USB drives, or stationery. The dramatic mon-style artwork also makes it a natural display piece on a bookshelf or console, adding a wabi-sabi aesthetic touch to Japandi style interiors. It would make a thoughtful and unique gift for collectors of Japanese vintage pieces or as a housewarming gift for anyone who appreciates handcrafted Japanese lacquerware.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Hardwood (possibly keyaki/zelkova), raised lacquer decoration in red and dark green-black
• Use: Lidded keepsake or document box (fubako); personal storage for letters, cards, or small valuables
• Modern Use: Jewelry box or ring dish on a bedroom dresser; desk organizer for cards and stationery; decorative display object in a Japandi or minimalist living room
• Features: Sliding lid construction; two overlapping raised lacquer mon medallions -- a red leaping deer roundel and a dark geometric roundel; artist signature near lower corner; smooth plain interior; rounded corners throughout
• Dimensions: 11"W x 8"D x 2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare example of handcrafted Japanese lacquerware that brings bold artisan character and wabi-sabi warmth to 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 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.