Red lacquered wooden 5-tiered stacked jûbako 重箱

Antique rectangular red lacquered wooden 5-tiered stacked jûbako 重箱 (tiered picnic box), better known as a bentô-box (lunch box).
The slightly arched cover decorated with a black maki-e (lacquer design) crest 紋 (mon) depicting the iconic three hollyhock leaves 三つ葉葵 (mitsuba aoi). This crest is repeated on the sides of the tiers.
The tiers equipped with removable black lacquer bamboo mats 巻きす (makisu), resting on two red lacquered bars.
Raised by feet connected by a scalloped edge.

The most famous bearer of the depicted crest is the Tokugawa family. The Tokugawa clan 徳川氏 is a Japanese dynasty that was formerly a powerful daimyō family. The Tokugawa’s clan crest, the “triple hollyhock”, has been a readily recognized icon in Japan, symbolizing in equal parts the Tokugawa clan and the last shogunate.

Dimensions:
Height 47.5 cm, Width 40.5 cm, Depth 32.5 cm.
Period: Japan – Late Edo period (First half 19th century). The bamboo mats are probably of a later age.

Considering its age in a very good original condition with trace of use and wear according with age, like some minor lacquer loss and cracks. Please look at the photos for a clear condition reference.

When shipped we will add a certificate of authenticity.