Antique Japanese Lacquered Jubako, 5 Boxes

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NAME: Antique Japanese Lacquered Jubako with 5 Boxes

DESCRIPTION: 5 box jubako (tiered lunch boxes) with two lids. A gold design is painted on the top of the lids. It probably is a mon (family crest). The food boxes are black lacquered on the outside and a deep red lacquer color on the inside. A tray at the bottom is used to pull the set of boxes out for easy access. Unusual is to find the outer carrying (or in some cases, storage) box with iron hardware (handle). The front panel slides up and down in a track. Most often seen, when the original outer box is intact, is a unfinished kiri wood box with a front panel that simply lifts off. This box is made of a nice wood and has been stained. Very well made piece.

AGE: Meiji period (1886 to 1912), probably around 1900.

SIZE: Outer carrying box is 17-1/8" x 10" x 9-1/2" deep.
The food boxes measure 7-3/4 x 8-1/4"

CONDITION: Jubako sets such as this are over 100 years old and normal wear and tear from use (bangs, dings, scratches) can usually be seen. Additionally, long term storage may add to the condition problems, (bug or rodent damage, drying out, mold, etc.).

This particular set is in good condition for the age. It is not perfect but there are no traumatic flaws.

The outer carrying box: Has assorted scratches and wear to the stain/varnish. The back panel has a 4-1/2" crack that runs along the grain at the bottom and some deeper dent-like marks which is probably bug damage. The front right top and bottom left corners have a piece of wood missing. The wooden nail that secures the left side of the box to the bottom front panel is broken.

The food boxes show some wear. There are several areas where the lacquer is chipped. These are all at the tops and bottoms, where they get "banged" from use. There is one 1/2" large dent with half the lacquer gone. Several corners have hairline cracks. They can be seen either from the inside or on the outside. None have cracked all the way through. (The box is made up of pieces that are secured with wood nails, then lacquered. Over time, the pieces may start to separate). You can also see some some chop stick marks on the inside. None have broken the finish.

The lids have a few dents and dings. One lid has a 1/8" round spot of lacquer missing and a knot in the wood has risen a little which in turn has cracked the lacquer. Both lids are slightly warped. They don't sit on the boxes squarely.

NOTES: Shipping estimate is $60 but will be at NO additional charge to U.S. addresses. For international customers, this cost will be deducted off the total cost of international shipping and a paypal invoice will be sent for the difference.

These old lacquered pieces are not recommended for food. They are better used as decor. Plastic boxes are safer for food.

You can pay as much as US$2,000 for the 4 and 5 box Jubako and still have cracks and chips in the lacquer.

Lacquer can be cleaned with warm water and mild soap. However, if there are cracks or chips in the lacquer, it's better to wipe with barely damp soft cloth, avoiding the cracked or chipped area. Always wipe dry and don't let stand in water.

Have a 4 box jubako currently listed, #11023. Also, see the other lovely lacquered pieces including Ouchi lacquer.

This product was added to our catalog on Monday 19 July, 2010.