Vintage Japanese Lacquered Wood Box Set, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0351

Vintage Japanese Lacquered Wood Box Set, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0351

A handcrafted two-piece Japanese wood box set with a deep lacquered exterior and warm, unfinished interior -- a study in restrained Showa-era craftsmanship.

This set comprises two complementary open wooden boxes, each sharing the same rich red-brown lacquered exterior finish and unfinished pale wood interior -- a pairing typical of quality handcrafted Japanese storage objects from the late Showa period. The shallower tray-form piece features clean, straight walls and a flat base, while the taller open-front companion piece displays a gently curved apron cutout along its base edge, adding a soft organic detail to an otherwise geometric form. The contrast between the deeply polished outer surface and the light, natural interior wood is a hallmark of vintage Japanese craft, where function and visual warmth are treated as equally important. Finger-jointed corners reinforce the structural integrity of both pieces, pointing to careful workshop construction rather than mass production.

In a modern home, this versatile set lends itself beautifully to everyday living. The shallow open tray works as a desk organizer on a home office surface -- corralling pens, notepads, or small objects -- while the taller open-front box functions as a bedside or entryway catch-all for keys, mail, or folded accessories. Grouped together on a sideboard or shelf, they bring a wabi-sabi aesthetic and Japandi style warmth to any living room accent display. They also make a distinctive housewarming gift for collectors and Japanophiles who appreciate handcrafted Japanese vintage woodwork with practical everyday appeal.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Hardwood exterior with red-brown lacquer finish; pale unfinished secondary wood interior -- likely kiri (paulownia) or similar lightweight Japanese wood
• Use: General household storage; open-front display or organizer box
• Modern Use: Desk organizer or stationery tray; entryway catch-all for keys and small accessories; living room accent display shelf piece
• Features: Two-piece matched set; deeply polished red-brown lacquered exterior; unfinished natural wood interior; curved apron cutout on base of taller piece; finger-jointed corner construction; open-top tray and open-front upright form
• Dimensions: 13"W x 11"D x 5"H
• Condition: Excellent

A beautifully crafted pair of vintage Japanese wooden boxes that bring the quiet elegance of Showa-era woodwork into any modern home or workspace.

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.