Japanese Maki-e Lacquer Jubako (Tiered Food Box) with Carrying Case, Meiji to Taisho Period

Story

During the festive Japanese New Year, these tiered boxes were filled with symbolic foods to welcome prosperity. The continuous landscape design across the stacked tiers represents the harmony of nature and the passing of the seasons.

Maker / Origin

While unsigned, this set was created by a highly skilled lacquer workshop active during Japan's golden age of export and domestic luxury craftsmanship. These artisans spent months applying dozens of micro-layers of toxic tree sap, curing each layer in high humidity before painstakingly polishing and decorating them.

Condition & Value

The lacquer appears to be in remarkably good condition with vibrant gold work and minimal fading. There is minor wear consistent with age along the rims and corners where the tiers meet, which is typical for functional lacquerware. Excellent preservation of the fragile carrying frame adds significantly to the value.