Vintage Japanese Ju Bako Tiered Food Box, 1966 - 1989 (Late Showa) | SKU: 26M-610

Japanese Ju-bako Tiered Food Box | Vintage Lacquerware & Decorative Storage, 1966-1989 (Late Showa), SKU 26M-610

A richly lacquered three-tier ju-bako in warm amber-red, complete with its original carry handle and presentation box -- a refined piece of vintage Japanese lacquerware.

A ju-bako is a traditional Japanese tiered food box, historically used to present celebratory meals during New Year (oshogatsu) and other festive occasions. Each stackable tier would hold carefully arranged seasonal dishes -- rice cakes, pickled vegetables, simmered foods -- carried to the table as a complete, elegant unit. This example features three separate tiers plus a fitted lid, all unified by a tall arched carrying handle that locks the stack in place during transport. The exterior is finished in a deep amber-red lacquer with fine parallel line detailing scored into the lid surface, a refined decorative touch consistent with the Hida-Takayama lacquerware tradition suggested by the original presentation box. The rounded corners, smooth interior surfaces, and consistent warm tone across all tiers speak to careful craftsmanship. The original storage box, bearing a handwritten maker's label, accompanies the piece -- a rare and desirable provenance detail for collectors of Japanese antique lacquerware.

In a modern home, this vintage ju-bako makes a striking living room accent or dining table centerpiece, displayed stacked with the handle raised as a sculptural object in a wabi-sabi or Japandi-style interior. The individual tiers separate easily and can serve as small jewelry trays, a desk organizer for rings and trinkets, or a tiered display stand for dried botanicals and small objects. It also makes a unique gift for Japanophiles or collectors who appreciate handcrafted Japanese craft with genuine history -- and the original box adds presentation value straight out of the box.

• Origin: Japan, likely Hida-Takayama region (Gifu Prefecture)
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Wood with amber-red urushi-style lacquer finish
• Use: Tiered food presentation box for festive and celebratory meals
• Modern Use: Decorative centerpiece or living room accent; jewelry tray and desk organizer; tiered display stand for botanicals or small collectibles
• Features: Three stackable tiers with fitted lid; tall arched carry handle; fine parallel line engraving on lid surface; rounded corners; smooth lacquered interiors; original presentation storage box with maker's label included
• Dimensions: 6"W x 6"D x 7"H
• Condition: Excellent

A beautifully preserved piece of vintage Japanese lacquerware that brings warmth, ceremony, and old-world craft 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.