Black lacquer food container

Amazing black lacquer jûbako 重箱 (tiered food container/stacked picnic box) decorated with a rare continuous design of waves 青海波 (seigaiha) carrying floating kawa’temari 皮手鞠 (leather handballs), and raised by four low feet.

The exterior with reticulated ball-shaped openings giving a glimpse of the multi-tiered interior.
The front panel is removable from the top and opens to four containers. These can be easily pushed out by using the openings on the back. The inside and bottom side of the containers are executed in spacious nashiji 梨子地 (sprinkled gold lacquer) finished by gold fundame 粉溜地 (matt gold powder) rims.
The jûbako is surmounted by a slender silver ‘hirute’-shaped bail handle.

Kawa’temari, usually made of deer skin where used by men from the traditional upper class to amuse themselves.
The Seigaiha wave is an ancestral Japanese motif which first appeared in the 6th century. Seigaiha literally means ‘blue sea and waves’. The water and waves pattern symbolise power and resistance, key elements of Japanese culture.

Dimensions:
Height 23.6 cm, Width 16.7 cm, Depth 16.4 cm.
Period: Japan – First half 19th century (Late Edo period).

In a very good condition with minor traces wear consistent with age, mainly minimal wear along a rim. Please look at the photos for a clear condition reference.

Hanami, as a major festival celebrating one of the four seasons, came to be associated with tiered food boxes called jûbako. Often made of lacquered wood, the tradition of stacking them was not only for functionality but also to symbolize the desire for good fortune to “accumulate.”

When shipped we will add a certificate of authenticity.
Price including insured shipping.