Vintage Japanese Jubako Stacking Lacquer Box, Early Showa 1927-1945 | SKU: 26J-0212-3

Vintage Japanese Jubako Stacking Lacquer Box, Early Showa 1927-1945 | SKU: 26J-0212-3

A rare bark-textured lacquer jubako with vivid red interiors and an auspicious plum blossom motif -- a showpiece of vintage Japanese craft.

A jubako is a traditional Japanese stacking box used to present layered celebratory foods -- most famously the osechi ryori prepared for New Year feasts. This example is built from a wood core and finished on the exterior with a striking dark reddish-brown surface whose mottled, flame-like patterning closely resembles cherry bark, consistent with kabazaiku-style decoration or a skilled lacquer imitation thereof. The interior of each tier is coated in a deeply saturated vermilion red lacquer, creating a dramatic contrast with the warm amber and mahogany tones outside. The fitted lid carries a recessed red lacquer panel on its top surface, hand-decorated with a stylized plum branch rendered in raised black lacquer -- its sparse, angular lines accented by small inlaid circular dots in gold and shell tones, a motif long associated with perseverance and good fortune in Japanese vintage decorative arts. A shallow tray component, finished to match, completes the set.

Today this jubako translates effortlessly into modern living spaces. Its compact footprint and rich color palette make it an exceptional jewelry box or keepsake organizer on a bedroom dresser. Collectors and interior stylists equally prize pieces like this as a living room accent or entry table display object -- the stacked tiers adding sculptural height while the lacquered surfaces catch the light beautifully. It also makes a distinctive gift for collectors, Japanophiles, or anyone drawn to wabi-sabi aesthetics and handcrafted Japanese lacquerware. Whether stacked as a unified sculptural form or separated to display individually, this is a versatile and conversation-starting piece of vintage Japanese craft.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Wood core with bark-textured lacquer exterior (kabazaiku-style decoration or lacquer imitation; physical inspection advised to confirm); red lacquer interiors; inlaid shell and gold-tone accents on lid panel
• Use: Jubako stacking food box for celebratory and ceremonial meals, particularly New Year osechi ryori
• Modern Use: Jewelry box or keepsake organizer; living room or entry table decorative accent; unique gift for collectors of Japanese vintage lacquerware
• Features: Multi-tier stacking construction with fitted lid; dramatic mottled dark reddish-brown exterior with warm amber highlights; vivid red lacquer interiors throughout; red lacquer panel on lid top decorated with raised black lacquer plum branch and inlaid shell and gold-tone dot accents; matching shallow tray component included
• Dimensions: 6 1/2"W x 6 1/2"D x 5 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A luminous example of vintage Japanese lacquerware -- handcrafted with auspicious symbolism and striking materiality that brings warmth, history, and wabi-sabi beauty to 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.