Vintage Japanese Lacquer Kobako with Makie Crane and Pine Decor, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0278-1

Vintage Japanese Lacquer Kobako with Makie Crane and Pine Decor, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0278-1

A handcrafted Japanese lacquer kobako adorned with flying cranes, pine motifs, and scattered gold foil -- presented in its original signed paulownia storage box.

A kobako is a traditional Japanese small decorative box used to store personal treasures such as incense, keepsakes, or precious accessories. This vintage example is finished in deep black lacquer over a wood core, with a richly textured ground that gives the surface a subtle mottled depth. The lid is decorated in makie-style gold lacquerwork depicting a pair of cranes in graceful flight, each carrying a sprig of pine -- a classic Japanese motif symbolizing longevity and good fortune. The wings of the cranes are accented with what appears to be iridescent shell inlay, adding a soft, shifting luminescence to the composition. Smaller pine-sprig motifs continue along the sides and base of the box, while the scalloped lower rim adds an elegant finishing detail consistent with fine Japanese lacquer craft of the period. The interior is finished in black lacquer scattered with gold foil squares in a kirikane-inspired pattern, creating a quietly dazzling effect when the lid is lifted. The box comes housed in its original paulownia wood storage box, inscribed in brushwork with the title and an artist or maker notation -- a mark of quality that distinguishes collector-grade Japanese vintage lacquerware from purely decorative production pieces.

In a modern home, this vintage Japanese lacquer kobako makes a stunning living room accent or bedroom decor piece displayed on a shelf or side table. Its compact square form -- just over five inches across -- makes it ideal as a jewelry box for rings, earrings, or small pendants, keeping precious items beautifully organized while adding a touch of wabi-sabi aesthetic to any vanity or dressing table. It would also serve as a sophisticated desk organizer for paper clips, nibs, or small stationery items, bringing a Japandi style sensibility to a home office. A truly unique gift for collectors, Japanophiles, or anyone who appreciates handcrafted Japanese lacquerware with genuine provenance.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Wood core with black lacquer finish; makie-style gold lacquer decoration; iridescent shell inlay accents on crane wings; gold foil square (kirikane-style) interior decoration; original paulownia wood storage box with brushwork inscription
• Use: Decorative kobako (small keepsake box) for storing incense, personal accessories, or treasured small items
• Modern Use: Jewelry box for rings and earrings; desk organizer for small stationery items; display accent piece for a living room shelf or vanity table
• Features: Deep black lacquer exterior with mottled ground texture; makie-style flying crane and pine motif on lid with iridescent shell-accented wings; matching pine-sprig motifs on sides and base; scalloped lower rim on base tray; black lacquer interior with scattered gold foil square decoration; signed paulownia storage box included
• Dimensions: 5 1/2"W x 5 1/2"D x 2 1/4"H
• Condition: Excellent

A refined piece of vintage Japanese lacquerware -- where centuries of makie craft tradition meet a decorative sensibility that feels entirely at home in a 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.