Vintage Japanese Takaoka-nuri Lacquered Tai Kashiki (Sea Bream Confection Box) with Serving Tray, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26M-119

Vintage Japanese Takaoka-nuri Lacquered Tai Kashiki (Sea Bream Confection Box) with Serving Tray, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26M-119

A sculptural lacquered tai fish candy box from Takaoka, complete with serving tray -- a rare and striking piece of vintage Japanese craft.

A tai kashiki is a traditional Japanese confection vessel (kashiki or okashi-ki) shaped in the form of a tai -- the sea bream fish revered in Japanese culture as a symbol of celebration, good fortune, and festivity. This exceptional example comes from Takaoka, a city in Toyama Prefecture renowned for centuries as a center of fine lacquerware and metalwork. The box is masterfully carved in wood and finished in Takaoka-nuri lacquer, a technique layering rich vermilion red over deep black to create a dramatic, jewel-like surface. Every scale, fin, and gill is rendered with remarkable precision, the body split horizontally at the midline so that the sculpted upper half lifts away to reveal a smooth, glossy black lacquered interior bowl. A matching oval tray with a subtly carved border in the same deep red-and-black palette completes the set, allowing the two fish halves to rest gracefully when presented open. The wooden storage box, inscribed with the piece's name and origin, confirms its provenance as a quality Takaoka craft item.

In a modern home, this tai kashiki makes an unforgettable living room accent or dining table centerpiece -- display it closed as a bold sculptural object with the wabi-sabi aesthetic of aged lacquer, or open it to serve chocolates, nuts, or artisan sweets at a dinner party. The oval tray doubles as a standalone catchall dish for an entryway console or bedside table, ideal for holding rings, keys, or small treasures. A truly unique gift for collectors of Japanese vintage craft, Japanophiles, or anyone drawn to handcrafted Japanese lacquerware with a strong visual presence. The set is equally at home in a Japandi-style interior or as a dramatic focal point in an eclectic living space.

• Origin: Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture, Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Carved wood with Takaoka-nuri lacquer in red and black; lacquered interior bowl; lacquered oval serving tray; kiri wood storage box
• Use: Decorative confection box (okashi-ki) for presenting wagashi or sweets at celebrations and formal gatherings
• Modern Use: Sculptural living room centerpiece or dining table accent; jewelry and keepsake holder on an entryway console; serving dish for chocolates or artisan sweets at entertaining
• Features: Highly detailed carved tai (sea bream) form with individually rendered scales, fins, and facial features; two-piece hinged body opening to a smooth black lacquered interior bowl; matching oval lacquered serving tray with carved border detail; original kiri wood storage box with inscribed label identifying origin as Takaoka
• Dimensions: 15"W x 5"D x 7"H
• Condition: Excellent

A masterpiece of handcrafted Japanese lacquerware -- this Takaoka tai kashiki brings the warmth of Japanese celebratory tradition and the drama of vintage Japanese craft 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.