Large 4-Tier Lacquer Jūbako (Stacking Box) with Gold...

A large Japanese Jūbako (重箱 - traditional tiered food box) featuring four stacking compartments and its original flat lid. The exterior is decorated on a black lacquer ground with a continuous design of a blossoming plum tree (Ume), executed in gold Maki-e (sprinkled gold powder technique). The composition flows vertically across all four tiers, requiring precision from the artisan to align the branches. The interior of the trays and the underside of the lid are finished in a bright cinnabar red lacquer. Given its height of 38 cm, this is a larger-than-average example of traditional Japanese lacquerware. Provenance: From the private collection of an Italian diplomat who served in Tokyo during the 1990s. Dimensions: • Total Height: 38 cm • Width: 22 cm • Depth: 24 cm Condition Report: The set is complete and retains a bright gold luster. However, due to its age and authentic usage, there are multiple evident lacquer chips, flakes, and losses localized along the sharp corners, the edges of the individual modules, and the corners of the lid (as clearly shown in the close-up photographs). Light surface scratches, minor rubbing to the rims, and some fine age crazing to the lacquer. No major structural cracks to the wood core or modern restorations. Packaging and Shipping: Due to the extreme delicacy of antique lacquerware, this lot will be packed using professional-grade, multi-layered protective materials (individual wrapping for each tier and a heavy-duty reinforced box). Shipped via premium tracked international courier.

Estimate:£169.44

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