Vintage Japanese Lacquer Fubako (Writing Box), Late Showa, 1966-1989 | SKU: 26M-008-4

Vintage Japanese Lacquer Fubako (Writing Box), Late Showa, 1966-1989 | SKU: 26M-008-4

A richly lacquered writing box adorned with gold-painted auspicious motifs -- a refined example of vintage Japanese craft from the Late Showa era.

A fubako is a traditional Japanese lidded box used to store letters, correspondence papers, and personal documents -- a treasured accessory of cultured households and formal gift-giving customs. This example is finished in a deep, lustrous dark lacquer over a wood core, its exterior surface textured with a fine allover stipple pattern in rich oxblood and near-black tones that shift subtly in different light. The flat-fitting lid is decorated with gold-painted roundel motifs featuring stylized auspicious imagery -- likely shishi (lion-dogs) and karakusa (arabesque scroll) designs -- scattered asymmetrically across the lid in a layout consistent with classical Japanese decorative conventions. A small circular seal cartouche appears near one corner, lending an air of provenance. The interior base is finished in a smooth, gloss black lacquer. The construction is clean and precise, with softly rounded corners and a well-fitting friction lid -- hallmarks of careful Japanese lacquerware craftsmanship.

Today this handcrafted Japanese lacquer box translates beautifully into modern interior settings. On a bedroom dresser or vanity it makes a striking jewelry box or keepsake organizer, its deep tones and gold motifs lending a wabi-sabi aesthetic to any surface. On a home office desk it serves as an elegant catchall for business cards, stationery, or small accessories. Styled on a living room accent shelf or entryway console, it functions as a sophisticated decorative accent with a Japandi sensibility. It would make a memorable gift for collectors of Japanese vintage pieces, a thoughtful housewarming gift, or a special find for Japanophiles who appreciate the quiet luxury of urushi lacquer traditions.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Wood core with lacquer finish; gold-painted decorative motifs on exterior lid
• Use: Fubako -- traditional Japanese box for storing letters, documents, or correspondence papers
• Modern Use: Jewelry box or keepsake organizer; desktop catchall for stationery and accessories; decorative accent on a shelf or entryway console
• Features: Deep oxblood and near-black allover stipple lacquer exterior; gold-painted auspicious roundel motifs on lid; small circular seal cartouche near corner; smooth gloss black lacquer interior; softly rounded corners; precise friction-fit lid
• Dimensions: 10"W x 11 1/2"D x 2 1/4"H
• Condition: Excellent

A quietly commanding piece of vintage Japanese lacquerware -- its gold motifs and deep urushi tones bring timeless elegance to any modern home or collector's display.

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.