Vintage Japanese Lacquered Fubako (Lidded Box), Late Showa, 1966-1989 | SKU: 26M-008-9

Vintage Japanese Lacquered Fubako (Lidded Box), Late Showa, 1966-1989 | SKU: 26M-008-9

A sleek vintage Japanese lacquerware box with a warm tenmoku-brown exterior and a glossy black lacquered interior -- understated elegance in the wabi-sabi tradition.

A fubako is a traditional Japanese lidded box used to store letters, documents, or personal keepsakes -- a form that dates back to the Heian court and continued to be crafted in lacquerware through the modern Showa period. This example is constructed from a lightweight wood core, likely kiri (paulownia), and finished in multiple layers of deep reddish-brown urushi-style lacquer that catches the light with a quiet, jewel-like depth. The exterior surface shows a subtle speckled texture beneath the gloss -- a hallmark of quality vintage Japanese lacquer craft -- while the interior is lined in a contrasting deep black lacquer that remains smooth and reflective. The softly rounded corners, generous proportions, and a neatly cut finger-notch on the lower box wall all speak to careful, considered craftsmanship. The base features a gently arched apron cutout, a refined detail that lifts the piece visually and echoes classical Japanese furniture design.

In a modern home, this handcrafted Japanese lacquer box is as practical as it is beautiful. On a bedroom dresser, it makes an elegant jewelry box -- rings, earrings, and small treasures rest perfectly against the black lacquered interior. On a home office desk, it serves as a refined desk organizer for business cards, notecards, or small stationery items, bringing a Japandi style calm to the workspace. It also works beautifully as a living room accent piece -- placed on a coffee table or shelf to hold a few small objects -- or as a unique housewarming gift for collectors of Japanese vintage pieces and vintage lacquerware.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Wood core (likely kiri/paulownia) with urushi-style lacquer finish; reddish-brown exterior, black lacquered interior
• Use: Lidded storage box (fubako) for letters, documents, or personal keepsakes
• Modern Use: Jewelry box for bedroom decor; desk organizer for home office storage; decorative accent for living room or entryway styling
• Features: Lift-off lid with softly rounded corners; finger-notch cutout on box wall for easy opening; speckled deep-gloss brown lacquer exterior; smooth black lacquered interior; arched apron cutout on base; no hardware
• Dimensions: 9 1/2"W x 13"D x 3 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A quietly refined piece of vintage Japanese lacquerware -- rich in craft and tradition, and effortlessly at home in 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.