Antique Japanese Jubako Lunch Box, 1927 - 1945 (Early Showa) | SKU: 26M-765

Japanese Magewappa Bento Lunch Box | Lacquerware Stacking Box & Decorative Accent, 1927-1945 (Early Showa), SKU 26M-765

A rare cylindrical jubako -- stacking lacquerware lunch box with deep black urushi finish, vivid red interior, and its original wooden carrying case.

A jubako is a traditional Japanese stacking food container used to carry and present multiple courses of food, most famously associated with osechi ryori (New Year cuisine) and hanami picnic meals. This handcrafted example from the Early Showa period features several round, cylindrical tiers finished in deep black urushi lacquer on the exterior, with a striking vermilion red lacquer interior -- the classic kuro-nuri and shu-nuri pairing that has defined Japanese lacquerware for centuries. Each tier stacks precisely atop the next, crowned by a flat disc lid with a small knob. The cylindrical form is less common than the standard square jubako, making this a particularly collectible example of vintage Japanese lacquerware. The set nests inside a dedicated wooden carrying case, finished in a warm reddish-brown lacquer, with a circular cutout in the top panel sized to hold the stacked tiers snugly in place during transport -- a thoughtful and elegant design solution that speaks to the craftsmanship of the era.

Today this set makes a stunning living room accent or dining table centerpiece in any Japandi-style or wabi-sabi aesthetic interior. Display the stacked tiers on a shelf or sideboard as a bold sculptural object, or use the individual tiers as small decorative bowls to hold jewelry, loose coins, or trinkets on a bedroom dresser or entryway table. The wooden carrying case alone functions beautifully as a desktop organizer or small storage box. A truly unique gift for collectors of Japanese antiques or anyone who appreciates handcrafted Japanese lacquerware with genuine age and patina.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Wood with urushi (lacquer) finish -- black exterior, vermilion red interior; wooden carrying case with reddish-brown lacquer finish
• Use: Stacking food container (jubako) for carrying and presenting multi-course meals; stored and transported in a fitted wooden carrying case
• Modern Use: Decorative centerpiece or shelf display; individual tiers as jewelry or trinket dishes; wooden case as a desktop organizer or keepsake box
• Features: Cylindrical jubako form with multiple stacking tiers; deep black urushi exterior with vivid vermilion red lacquer interior; flat disc lid with small knob; fitted wooden carrying case with circular cradle cutout to secure the stacked tiers
• Dimensions: 10"W x 10"D x 12"H
• Condition: Good vintage condition consistent with age -- minor surface wear and light scuffs to the lacquer; all tiers present and intact; carrying case shows light wear

A rare and collectible set of Japanese antique lacquerware that brings the timeless beauty of urushi craft and wabi-sabi aesthetic 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 and antique 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.