Antique Lacquered Maki-e Jūbako 5-Tier Wood Box in Storage Case (c. 1890s)

This five-tiered jūbako (lacquered food box) is traditionally used in Japan for festive meals and New Year celebrations. It features original nashiji and maki-e (gold dust and gold leaf inlay) with raised, detailed auspicious motifs, including symbols of longevity, prosperity, and success like a turtle, scroll, tobacco case, fortune mallet, and botanical elements. This was most likely custom made for a wedding, house warming gift, or other high status social event.

The textured black and brown lacquer base is beautifully accented with intricate gold designs, and the lid’s flaming jewel and gold ribbon motif against a speckled black background showcase fine Japanese lacquer artistry typically reserved for the most important figures of old in Japanese society of the past. Both functional and decorative, it’s perfect for storage, serving, or for your collection of wood crafts.