Vintage Japanese Hon-Shu-Nuri Kin Makie Jubako Stacking Lacquer Box, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26M-808

Vintage Japanese Hon-Shu-Nuri Kin Makie Jubako Stacking Lacquer Box, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26M-808

A showstopping hon-shu-nuri jubako in brilliant vermilion lacquer with lavish gold makie decoration -- complete with its original wooden storage box.

A jubako is a traditional Japanese stacking box used to present celebratory foods, most famously the layered osechi ryori served during the New Year holiday. This magnificent example is described on its wooden storage box as a "hon-shu-nuri kin makie jubako" -- meaning a true vermilion lacquer box with gold makie painting -- a designation that speaks directly to the quality of materials and the artisan's craft. The body is finished in a deep, luminous red lacquer and adorned across every exterior surface with lavishly rendered gold makie imagery: ancient pines with cloud-like canopies, sweeping bamboo groves, plum blossoms, and auspicious fauna -- all classic symbols of celebration and longevity in Japanese decorative arts. The continuous gold makie design flows seamlessly across each stacked tier, creating a single unified composition of remarkable visual impact. The interiors are lined in a contrasting plain red lacquer, and the softly rounded square form of each tier is characteristic of fine Showa-era lacquerware production. The piece retains its original kiri-wood sliding-lid storage box, brushed with the maker's inscription in bold calligraphy -- a mark of authenticity that serious collectors prize.

In the modern home this jubako functions as a striking living room accent or dining room centerpiece, stacked on a sideboard or console table where its brilliant red-and-gold palette commands immediate attention. Separated into individual trays, each tier makes an elegant catch-all for jewelry, keys, or small keepsakes on a bedroom dresser or entryway table. The set is equally at home as a Japandi-style decorative object on a floating shelf, or opened and filled with seasonal treats as a unique gift for collectors and Japanophiles. Whether displayed intact or arranged as individual serving pieces, this vintage Japanese lacquerware brings unmistakable warmth, color, and cultural depth to any interior.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Wood with hon-shu-nuri (true vermilion lacquer) exterior; gold makie decoration; plain red lacquer interior; kiri (paulownia) wooden storage box
• Use: Jubako -- stacking celebration box used for presenting osechi ryori and festive foods at New Year and special occasions
• Modern Use: Living room or dining room display centerpiece; bedroom or entryway jewelry and keepsake organizer; decorative serving set for festive entertaining
• Features: Multiple stacking tiers with fitted lid; continuous gold makie landscape design covering all exterior surfaces -- featuring pine, bamboo, plum, and auspicious motifs; softly rounded square form; rich plain red lacquer interiors; includes original kiri-wood sliding-lid storage box with hand-brushed calligraphy inscription
• Dimensions: 9"W x 9"D x 13 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and celebratory piece of vintage Japanese lacquerware -- the gold makie jubako at its most festive and collectible.

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.