Vintage Japanese Maru Jubako Lacquerware Stacking Box with Ume Blossom Motif, Mid Showa (1946-1965) | SKU: 26M-866-2

Vintage Japanese Maru Jubako Lacquerware Stacking Box with Ume Blossom Motif, Mid Showa (1946-1965) | SKU: 26M-866-2

A boldly lacquered ume blossom jubako -- stacked, lidded, and glowing red within -- a celebration of postwar Japanese craft at its most festive.

A jubako is a traditional Japanese stacked lacquerware box used to present celebratory foods, most famously during New Year (oshogatsu) and other auspicious occasions. This example is a round-form jubako -- sometimes called a maru jubako -- consisting of a wide lower tray, a stacking bowl tier, and a domed lid fitted with a raised knob, all seated on a broad flat saucer base. The exterior is finished in deep black lacquer with fine horizontal line-turning that catches the light across every surface, while the interior is lacquered in a rich, glossy red -- the classic kuro-nuri and aka-nuri pairing prized in Japanese vintage lacquerware. Hand-painted across the outer walls is a graceful ume (plum blossom) motif rendered in gold and vermilion, a symbol of perseverance and early spring that appears throughout Japanese craft tradition. The original paulownia wood storage box (kiri-bako) accompanies the piece, confirming its status as a considered gift or heirloom set from the early postwar era.

In a modern home, this vintage Japanese lacquerware makes an immediate statement as a living room accent or dining table centerpiece. Use the open tray to display seasonal fruit, nuts, or small confections in a Japandi-style tablescape. The lidded stacked form works beautifully as a jewelry box or keepsake organizer on a vanity or bedroom dresser, keeping rings, earrings, and small treasures beautifully contained. Display the full assembled piece on an entryway console or bookshelf shelf as a standalone decorative accent -- its bold black-and-red palette commands attention against natural wood or linen backdrops. It would make a unique housewarming gift or a thoughtful gift for collectors of vintage Japanese craft and wabi-sabi aesthetic objects.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: Wood core with black and red lacquer (urushi-style finish); gold and vermilion painted ume blossom decoration; original kiri (paulownia) storage box included
• Use: Jubako -- stacked lacquerware box used to serve and present celebratory foods at New Year and festive occasions
• Modern Use: Jewelry box or keepsake organizer; dining table centerpiece or fruit display; decorative living room or entryway accent
• Features: Round maru jubako form with domed lid and raised knob; stacking tiers with a wide shallow tray base; fine horizontal line-turned texture across black exterior; vivid red lacquer interior; ume (plum blossom) motif in gold and red; original paulownia kiri-bako storage box included
• Dimensions: 8" Diameter x 5"H
• Condition: Excellent

A striking piece of vintage Japanese lacquerware that brings the warmth of traditional craft and festive symbolism into any modern home.

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.