Vintage Japanese Hakone Yosegi Chest (24N-G11)

A vintage Japanese Hakone-style small chest, created around the year 2000, this exquisite piece pays homage to the centuries-old tradition of Yosegi-Zaiku marquetry, an iconic craft native to the Hakone region. The chest features a kiri (paulownia) wood body, known for its lightweight yet durable properties, finished with a sleek lacquer coating on the exterior. It includes five drawers of varying sizes, ideal for versatile storage. The front showcases intricate Hakone Yosegi-Zaiku patterns—a technique involving multi-wood veneers arranged in geometric motifs to highlight the natural hues and grains of different woods. These patterns require meticulous precision, reflecting the beauty of Japanese craftsmanship.

Hakone Yosegi-Zaiku has a legacy tracing back to the Edo period (1603-1868), recognized as one of Japan's most celebrated woodcraft techniques. Traditionally used to decorate secret puzzle boxes (Himitsu-bako), this method is prized for its precision and beauty. The chest's simple wooden handles complete its elegant yet functional design, making it a timeless piece for collectors or those appreciating fine Japanese artistry.

A number of different types of wood are used in the creation of Yosegi:

White: Cornel, Mayumi, Spindle tree, Aohada tree
Black: Lignitized Japanese Judas tree
Yellow: Bitter wood, Mulberry tree, Lacquer tree
Brown: Styphnolobium Japonicum, Japanese hophornbeam
Blue: Magnolia obovata
Red: Chinese cedar
This is only a part. Other types of wood may be used.

The process involves slicing thin layers from these assembled blocks to create a veneer, which is then applied to the surface of the box. This technique not only showcases the natural beauty of the wood but also demonstrates the exceptional skill and precision of the craftsmen.

23 1/4"W x 11 1/2"D x 15 1/2"H