Vintage Japanese Lacquer Senko Incense Box/Fude Bako (Brush Box), Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26M-008-7

Vintage Japanese Lacquer Senko Incense Box/Fude Bako (Brush Box), Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26M-008-7

A sleek vintage Japanese lacquerware box -- deeply lacquered in mirror-black with elegant gold script -- a refined collector's piece from the Late Showa era.

A fude bako is a traditional Japanese box used to store writing brushes, calligraphy tools, or other slender implements of the scholar's desk. This handsome example is finished in deep, high-gloss kuro urushi (black lacquer) over a wood core, with two characters rendered in gold on the lid in a brushed, seal-script style -- lending the piece both formal authority and artistic grace. Lacquerware of this type was produced across Japan during the Late Showa period by skilled craftspeople, often as presentation pieces or gifts associated with the arts of writing and calligraphy. The mirror-like surface reflects the enduring Japanese lacquerwork tradition -- a craft that requires many carefully applied and polished layers to achieve such depth and luminosity. This is a genuine piece of vintage Japanese craft with clean, minimalist lines typical of mid-to-late twentieth century Japanese decorative lacquer.

In a modern home, this slim and striking box adapts beautifully beyond its original purpose. Its elongated rectangular form makes it ideal as a jewelry box for bracelets, necklaces, or hair accessories displayed on a bedroom dresser. It also works wonderfully as a home office desk organizer for pens, styluses, or letter openers, bringing a wabi-sabi aesthetic and quiet sophistication to any workspace. Collectors of vintage Japanese lacquerware will appreciate its display value on a shelf or console table as a standalone decorative accent in a Japandi-style interior. It also makes a thoughtful and unique housewarming gift for admirers of Japanese art and culture.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Wood core with high-gloss black lacquer (kuro urushi); gold script decoration on lid
• Use: Senko (incense) case; Fude bako -- traditional box for storing writing brushes or calligraphy tools
• Modern Use: Jewelry box for bedroom decor; pen and stylus organizer for home office storage; decorative display accent in a Japandi or minimalist interior
• Features: Deep mirror-black lacquer finish; gold seal-script characters on lid; slim lift-off lid; clean rounded corners; lightweight wood construction
• Dimensions: 14"W x 6"D x 2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A quietly commanding piece of vintage Japanese lacquerware -- equally at home on a collector's shelf or a modern desk.

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.