Vintage Japanese Hida-nuri Lacquer Jubako (Three-Tier Stacking Box), Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26M-136

Vintage Japanese Hida-nuri Lacquer Jubako (Three-Tier Stacking Box), Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26M-136

A handcrafted Hida lacquerware jubako in warm amber-red urushi, stacked in three generous tiers with a fitted lid -- offered in its original presentation box.

A jubako is a traditional Japanese stacking box used to hold and present celebratory foods -- most famously the layered osechi ryori prepared for the New Year. This example is a fine piece of vintage Japanese craft from the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture, long celebrated for its woodworking and lacquer traditions. The three tiers and lid are fashioned from fine-grained wood finished in a luminous amber-red urushi lacquer that reveals the underlying grain through its translucent warmth -- a hallmark of the Hida-nuri style. Each tier features softly rounded corners and a precise friction fit, while incised square peg motifs accented in deeper lacquer run vertically along the front face, adding a quiet geometric elegance. The lid is decorated with a band of fine parallel grooves, a restrained decorative flourish consistent with the refined wabi-sabi aesthetic of regional craft workshops. The set retains its original fabric-covered presentation box, a mark of gifting quality.

In a modern home, this jubako brings instant living room or dining room character as a decorative accent piece displayed on a sideboard or open shelf. Use the individual tiers as stylish desk organizers to hold stationery, cards, or small collectibles in a home office -- or stack them on a coffee table as a Japandi-style centerpiece filled with dried botanicals or seasonal objects. The rich lacquer finish and warm amber tone pair beautifully with natural linen, rattan, and aged wood interiors. A unique housewarming gift or a standout find for collectors of vintage Japanese lacquerware.

• Origin: Hida region, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Wood with amber-red urushi lacquer finish (Hida-nuri style)
• Use: Stacking food presentation box (jubako); traditionally used for osechi ryori and celebratory meals
• Modern Use: Living room decorative accent or centerpiece; home office desk organizer for stationery and small items; stylish storage box for jewelry, keepsakes, or dried botanicals
• Features: Three stackable open tiers plus a fitted lid; softly rounded corners; translucent amber-red lacquer revealing fine wood grain; incised square peg motifs in deeper lacquer on each tier front; parallel groove decoration on lid; precise friction-fit stacking; original fabric-covered presentation box included
• Dimensions: 7 1/2"W x 7 1/2"D x 7"H
• Condition: Excellent

A luminous example of vintage Japanese lacquerware -- handcrafted in the Hida tradition and as striking on a modern shelf as it was at a Japanese New Year table.

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.