Antique Japanese Lacquered Jubako, 4 Boxes

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NAME: Antique Japanese Lacquered Jubako with 4 boxes

DESCRIPTION: 4 box jubako (tiered lunch boxes) with two lids. The food boxes have a dark red lacquered finish on the outside and are brighter red on the inside. A tray at the bottom with a hole in the middle for the finger is used to pull the set of boxes out for easy access. Below the tray is a drawer for utensils. Unusual is to find the outer carrying 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 dark red to match the boxes.

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

SIZE: Outer carrying box is 15-3/4" x 8-7/8" x 8-1/4" deep.
The food boxes measure 6-7/8 x 7-1/2"

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 very good condition for the age.

The outer carrying box: Has assorted scratches and wear. The front edges have damage at the bottom. Most of it looks like rodent damage. A splinter at the very bottom left looks fresher and was probably damaged since it was unearthed and has gone through multiple handlings. The wooden iron hand has some rust and corrosion.

The food boxes are in good condition. Some minor dents on the outside but there are no breaks or cracks in the wood or varnish. The inside is also in good condition except at four points near the top edge which shows wear from the feet of the lid or box above rubbing or hitting against it. They do have a their shiny finish as they have been lightly cleaned since the pictures were taken.

The lids: One lid has the wood separating slightly and has cracked the surface lacquer finish about 1-1/2". The other lid has a fine hairline scratch 2" long. It's a little deeper at one end and went through the lacquer at the very end 1/8". There are a lot of very tiny bumps, which may be bubbles in the lacquer. They aren't readily seen and barely felt but it's not as smooth as it should be.

NOTES: Shipping will be by ground but fully insured at NO additional charge to U.S. addresses. For international orders, the U.S. shipping amount will be deducted from the international shipping cost and a paypal invoice will be send for the balance.

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 another 5 box jubako currently listed, #11024. Also, see the other lovely lacquered pieces including Ouchi lacquerware.

This product was added to our catalog on Tuesday 20 July, 2010.