Vintage Japanese Kabazaiku Jubako, Early Showa 1927-1945 | SKU: 26J-0212-1

Vintage Japanese Kabazaiku Jubako, Early Showa 1927-1945 | SKU: 26J-0212-1

A rare kabazaiku jubako in cherry bark and red urushi lacquer -- handcrafted Japanese vintage stacking box with inlaid floral lid motif.

A jubako is a traditional Japanese stacking box set used to store and present celebratory foods, most famously during osechi ryori -- the elaborately prepared New Year feast. This exceptional example is crafted in the kabazaiku tradition, a highly refined folk craft in which the mottled, lustrous bark of the wild cherry tree is applied in carefully fitted panels over a wood core, then sealed with urushi lacquer. The exterior presents a rich, tortoiseshell-like surface of deep auburn and dark brown, alive with the natural lenticels and striations unique to cherry bark. The fitted lid is adorned with an inlaid bark-on-bark composition depicting cherry blossom sprays and a sweeping branch -- a motif rendered entirely in contrasting bark tones rather than paint, demonstrating exceptional artisanal restraint. Inside, each stacking tier is finished in deeply glossy red urushi lacquer, while the bases of the tiers are lacquered in smooth black -- a classic formal contrast found in high-quality Japanese vintage lacquerware. The set includes multiple tiers, a fitted lid, and a shallow interior tray, all nesting snugly into a compact square form with softly rounded corners.

In a modern home, this vintage Japanese craft object transitions effortlessly from ceremonial keepsake to everyday luxury. Stacked on a dresser or vanity, the tiers serve beautifully as a jewelry box -- each lacquered compartment cradling rings, earrings, or small treasures with quiet elegance. Displayed open on a living room shelf or side table, the crimson interiors and bark exteriors create a striking Japandi style accent that draws the eye and sparks conversation. It also makes a sophisticated desktop organizer for a home office, corralling small stationery items, paper clips, or loose change with the wabi-sabi aesthetic of aged natural materials. For collectors of Japanese vintage lacquerware or admirers of traditional folk craft, this jubako is a rare and deeply personal find -- an exceptional housewarming gift or gift for Japanophiles seeking something truly uncommon.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Wood core covered in cherry bark (kabazaiku); interior surfaces finished in red urushi lacquer; exterior bases finished in black urushi lacquer
• Use: Jubako -- stacking box for storing and presenting celebratory foods, especially osechi ryori for the New Year
• Modern Use: Jewelry box or vanity organizer; living room decorative accent in a Japandi or wabi-sabi interior; desktop organizer for a home office
• Features: Multiple stacking tiers with fitted lid; shallow interior tray included; cherry bark exterior with natural lenticels and striations; inlaid bark-on-bark floral and branch motif on lid; glossy red urushi lacquer interior; black lacquer exterior bases; softly rounded square form; tiers nest securely without hardware
• Dimensions: 6"W x 6"D x 6"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and collectible piece of Japanese vintage lacquerware -- the warm glow of red urushi and the wild beauty of cherry bark bring centuries of craft tradition 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.