Vintage Japanese Lacquered Wood Nasu (Eggplant) Container, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0467

Vintage Japanese Lacquered Wood Nasu (Eggplant) Container, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0467

A palm-sized lacquered wood container in the form of a nasu (eggplant) -- a beloved Japanese good-luck motif rendered with mirror-gloss lacquer and richly textured calyx detail.

A nasu, or eggplant, is one of the most auspicious symbols in Japanese folk tradition -- appearing in the classic New Year's dream sequence alongside Mount Fuji and a hawk as an omen of good fortune. This charming vintage Japanese craft object captures the nasu form in lacquered wood, hollowed into a small two-piece container with a fitted oval lid that lifts cleanly away from the base. The rounded body carries a deep black-purple lacquer finish polished to a mirror sheen, while the calyx and curling stem are rendered in richly applied textured lacquer that mimics the rough, bristled cap of a real eggplant with remarkable tactile realism. The contrast between the smooth, reflective fruit and the rough, almost sculptural stem work demonstrates the skill of the Japanese lacquer tradition at its most playful. Objects of this type -- small decorative containers in auspicious natural forms -- were popular okimono-style gift and display pieces during the Showa era.

Today this little lacquer container makes a wonderfully distinctive accent for a minimalist decor shelf, a wabi-sabi aesthetic vignette, or a curio display alongside other Japanese vintage collectibles. Its tiny hollow interior is just right for holding a single ring, a folded note, or a pinch of loose incense -- making it a unique gift for collectors or a memorable housewarming gift with a built-in wish for good luck. Nestle it on a bedroom vanity tray, a home office desk, or a living room display shelf where its deep lacquer gloss catches the light and invites a second look.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Lacquered wood; high-gloss black-purple lacquer on body, applied textured lacquer on calyx and stem
• Use: Decorative container or okimono-style display piece in the form of a nasu (eggplant), a traditional Japanese good-luck motif
• Modern Use: Decorative shelf accent or curio display; small keepsake or ring holder on a vanity or desk; unique gift for collectors or Japanophiles
• Features: Fitted removable oval lid revealing a shallow hollow interior; mirror-polished lacquer body in deep black-purple; realistically modeled textured calyx; slender curved stem; two-piece construction fits snugly closed
• Dimensions: 1 1/2"W x 3 1/2"D x 1 1/4"H
• Condition: Excellent

A pocket-sized piece of Japanese vintage craft tradition -- the nasu form has carried good fortune for centuries, and this glossy lacquer container brings that charm 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.