Vintage Japanese Lacquered Wood Storage Box, Late Showa (1966-1989) | SKU: 26M-008-8

Vintage Japanese Lacquered Wood Storage Box, Late Showa (1966-1989) | SKU: 26M-008-8

A lacquered wood storage box adorned with flowing red floral motifs on a rich dark ground -- handcrafted Japanese elegance from the Late Showa era.

A lacquer keepsake box, known in Japan as a nurimono-bako or simply a lacquered hako, is a traditional wooden storage vessel finished with urushi-style lacquer to protect and beautify the wood beneath. This example dates to the Late Showa period (1966-1989) and showcases a deeply burnished dark-brown lacquer exterior decorated with a diagonal cascade of red foliate motifs -- likely stylized ume (plum blossom) or karabana (arabesque flower) forms -- accented with delicate gold-toned vine lines and amber dot clusters. The lid fits snugly as a lift-off cap over the open box body, a construction method typical of handcrafted Japanese craft boxes of this period. The exterior grain visible through the lacquer suggests a straight-grained softwood base, while the unfinished interior reveals a beautifully figured hardwood -- possibly tochi (horse chestnut) or a similarly swirling-grained Japanese species -- left in its natural state to contrast with the lacquered shell.

In a modern home, this vintage Japanese lacquer box is as versatile as it is decorative. On a bedroom dresser or vanity, it makes an elegant jewelry box for rings, earrings, and small keepsakes. On a home office desk, it serves as a refined desk organizer for paper clips, stamps, or writing accessories. Displayed on a living room shelf alongside ceramics or ikebana, it functions as a sculptural accent piece that embodies the wabi-sabi aesthetic -- imperfect, time-worn, and deeply beautiful. It would also make a unique housewarming gift or gift for Japanophiles who appreciate vintage Japanese craft with genuine character.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Wood with dark lacquer exterior; unfinished figured hardwood interior, possibly tochi (horse chestnut) or similar Japanese species
• Use: Keepsake or storage box -- used to store letters, cosmetics, sewing notions, or small personal items
• Modern Use: Jewelry box for bedroom or vanity; desk organizer for home office storage; decorative accent for living room or entryway shelf
• Features: Lift-off lid construction; dark lacquer exterior with hand-painted red floral cascade and gold-tone vine detail; contrasting natural figured hardwood interior; clean dovetail-style corner joinery on the box body
• Dimensions: 5 1/2"W x 8"D x 3 1/2"H
• Condition: Good -- minor surface wear consistent with age; lacquer intact with light handling marks; interior clean

A quietly striking piece of vintage Japanese lacquer craft that brings warmth, history, and Japandi style 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 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.