Preliminary identification
Photo reference
4 uploaded photos
Overview
An exquisite five-tiered lacquer food box (jubako) resting on a matching footed stand, complete with its original inner trays and lids. The exterior features a continuous, panoramic landscape of Mount Fuji, coastal villages, and sailing vessels rendered in masterful gold and silver maki-e on a rich black lacquer ground.
Story
During Japan's festive New Year celebrations, these tiered boxes emerged to hold traditional 'osechi-ryori' delicacies. This specific box tells a continuous visual story as you stack it, transforming a functional serving vessel into a three-dimensional canvas of the sacred Mount Fuji.
Maker / Origin
While unsigned, this piece is the work of a highly skilled lacquer workshop (shikki-shi) active during Japan's golden age of export and artistic refinement. Artisans of this era specialized in combining traditional techniques with breathtakingly fine details to captivate both domestic connoisseurs and Western collectors.
Condition & Value
The lacquer shows minor surface wear, light scratches, and tiny edge flecks consistent with age and gentle use. The gold maki-e remains remarkably bright and intact with minimal rubbing. Excellent overall preservation for a multi-part functional set.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.