Antique Japanese Kiku Maki-e Lacquer Jubako Set with Tomobako, Taisho Era (1912-1926) | SKU: 26M-875

Antique Japanese Portable Kiku Maki-e Jubako Lunch Box Set with Tomobako, Taisho 1912-1926 | SKU: 26M-875

A magnificent portable Japanese lacquer jubako lunch box set -- black urushi ground, golden kiku maki-e decoration, red lacquer interiors, and original tomobako storage box.

A jubako is a traditional Japanese stacked food box used for carrying and presenting meals, sweets, and celebratory dishes. This antique Taisho example is a portable jubako lunch box set, designed as a complete lacquerware ensemble rather than a bunko-bako document box. The set features a fitted carrying case with a hinged metal handle, multiple stacked food containers, small fitted drawers, and a serving tray, all unified by a bold kiku, or chrysanthemum, maki-e design rendered in gold against a deep black urushi lacquer ground.

The exterior is richly decorated with swirling chrysanthemum blooms and vine-like foliage, giving the piece a refined yet festive presence. The interior reveals vivid vermilion red lacquer, a classic contrast in Japanese lacquerware that enhances the presentation of food. The stacked compartments would have been used for neatly separating portions, side dishes, sweets, or seasonal foods, while the small drawers and tray add practical serving and storage functions. The set is accompanied by its original kiri wood tomobako storage box with handwritten calligraphy, adding to its value as a collectible piece of Japanese antique craft.

In a modern home, this portable jubako set is beautiful both as functional serveware and as a decorative display piece. It can be used for presenting sweets, tea ceremony confections, holiday treats, or special occasion foods, or displayed on a dining room shelf, sideboard, or tea room setting as a striking example of Japanese lacquer artistry. Its compact cabinet-like form, carrying handle, red lacquer interiors, and golden chrysanthemum decoration make it especially appealing for collectors of Japanese lacquerware, tea ceremony objects, and Taisho decorative arts.

Origin: Japan
Era: 1912-1926 (Taisho)
Material: Kiri wood; black urushi lacquer exterior; vermilion lacquer interior; golden maki-e decoration; metal carrying handle
Use: Portable jubako lunch box set for carrying, storing, and presenting food, sweets, and seasonal dishes
Modern Use: Decorative lacquerware display; serving set for sweets, tea confections, or holiday treats; dining room or tea room accent; collector’s display piece for Japanese lacquerware
Features: Portable fitted carrying case with hinged metal handle; stacked jubako food compartments; small fitted drawers; flat serving tray; black lacquer exterior with golden kiku chrysanthemum maki-e decoration; vivid red lacquer interiors; original inscribed kiri tomobako storage box included
Dimensions: 9 1/2"W x 5 1/4"D x 10"H
Condition: Excellent

A rare and beautifully preserved portable Japanese jubako lunch box set -- richly decorated with kiku maki-e and crafted to bring elegance, function, and celebratory warmth to the presentation of food.

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.