Vintage Japanese Lacquer Bunko Document Box with Gold Maki-e, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0225

Vintage Japanese Lacquer Bunko Document Box with Gold Maki-e, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0225

A handcrafted urushi lacquer document box with gold maki-e branch motif and original tomobako storage case

A bunko is a traditional Japanese lidded box used to store letters, documents, and treasured papers -- a refined desk accessory long associated with educated and cultured households. This vintage Japanese lacquer bunko presents a lustrous black urushi finish enriched by a speckled ground effect across the lid, over which a graceful gold maki-e branch bearing rounded leaves is rendered in confident, sweeping strokes. The composition is bold yet serene, reflecting the wabi-sabi aesthetic that prizes natural motifs rendered with economy and skill. The box comes housed in its original tomobako wooden storage case, inscribed in brush calligraphy and bearing a red maker's seal attributed to Heianjo -- a Kyoto lacquerware workshop with a long tradition of scholarly craft. The set also includes a flat black lacquer tray companion piece, adding display versatility to the ensemble.

In a modern home, this vintage Japanese lacquerware box translates beautifully beyond its original purpose. Use it as a jewelry box on a bedroom dresser, a keepsake or letter holder on a home office desk, or a decorative accent in a living room styled around Japandi or minimalist decor. Its low, refined profile and striking gold-on-black decoration make it a natural conversation piece displayed on a console, shelf, or coffee table. The included tomobako case and companion tray elevate this from a single object to a considered collector's set -- a unique gift for Japanophiles, collectors of Japanese vintage craft, or anyone who appreciates handcrafted Japanese lacquerware.

• Origin: Japan (Kyoto, attributed to Heianjo workshop)
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Wood core with black urushi lacquer; gold maki-e decoration on speckled lacquer ground lid
• Use: Bunko document and letter storage box; traditional Japanese desk accessory
• Modern Use: Jewelry box or keepsake holder; desktop organizer or letter tray; decorative accent in Japandi or minimalist living spaces
• Features: Fitted lift-off lid with gold maki-e branch motif; speckled ground effect across lid surface; high-gloss black lacquer body and base; flat companion lacquer tray included; original tomobako wooden storage case with brush-calligraphy inscription and red maker's seal
• Dimensions: 12"W x 9"D x 2 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A refined piece of vintage Japanese lacquerware that brings the quiet elegance of traditional craft into any modern interior.

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.