Vintage Japanese Jubako Stacked Lacquer Food Boxes with Gold Maki-e, Early Showa 1927-1945 | SKU: 26J-0463

Vintage Japanese Jubako Stacked Lacquer Food Boxes with Gold Maki-e, Early Showa 1927-1945 | SKU: 26J-0463

A stunning set of stacked lacquerware boxes adorned with gold maki-e kamon roundels and scrolling vines -- a jewel of Japanese vintage craft from the Early Showa period.

A jubako is a traditional Japanese set of stacked food boxes, used to present celebratory dishes -- most famously the osechi ryori prepared for New Year festivities. Crafted from wood and finished in rich black lacquer, this handcrafted Japanese jubako exemplifies the refined aesthetic of early Showa lacquerware. Its exterior is densely decorated in gold maki-e, depicting gracefully scrolling vines interspersed with two alternating mon-style roundels: a kiku-form chrysanthemum crest and a three-leaf oak (kashiwa) mon enclosed in a plain circle. The contrast of these two motifs across the stacked tiers lends the set a rhythmic, ceremonial elegance. The interior of each tier is finished in a smooth dark lacquer, and the separate lid carries the same flowing vine and kamon composition across its full surface. A wooden storage box with a woven cord handle accompanies the set, consistent with how finer jubako were traditionally stored and transported.

Today, this vintage jubako makes a striking decorative accent in any modern interior. Displayed on a console table or sideboard, the stacked form and luminous gold-on-black decoration bring an unmistakable wabi-sabi aesthetic and Japandi style sophistication to a living room or entryway. Individual tiers can be repurposed as elegant jewelry boxes or desktop organizers, each tier holding rings, earrings, or small keepsakes. Stacked and closed, the set functions as a sculptural display object -- an extraordinary gift for collectors, Japanophiles, or anyone who appreciates vintage Japanese craft with genuine historical character.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Wood with black lacquer ground and gold maki-e decoration; dark lacquered interior; wooden storage box with woven cord handle
• Use: Stacked ceremonial food boxes (jubako), traditionally used for festive and New Year presentation of osechi ryori dishes
• Modern Use: Decorative living room or entryway display object; jewelry box or desktop organizer (individual tiers); unique gift for collectors or Japanophiles
• Features: Multiple stacking tiers with separate decorated lid; black lacquer exterior with gold maki-e scrolling vine pattern; alternating kiku chrysanthemum and kashiwa oak mon roundels across tiers; matching decoration on lid surface; dark lacquered interior; accompanied by original wooden storage box with woven cord handle
• Dimensions: 4 3/4"W x 5 1/2"D x 5 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A luminous example of Japanese vintage lacquerware -- where centuries of craft tradition meet the quiet drama of gold and black, ready to bring ceremony and beauty 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 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.