Japanese Lacquered Natsume 'Tea Box'

Tebako box with three compartments in golden and nashi-ji lacquer, decorated with golden, red, and kirigane lacquer, golden persimmon tree leaves, among rocks. The compartments are of increasing size from the top. The decoration is in continuity. Persimmon has been cultivated in southern China for more than 2500 years and is believed to have been introduced to Japan in the 8th century. The veneer is a tree with very hard wood, similar to ebony. According to a legend, one specimen survived the atomic bombing of Nagasaki on August 9, 1945, close to the epicenter. It is therefore in Japan a symbol of strength and longevity. It is also the national fruit of the country. It is eaten as a traditional dish during New Year's Day celebrations. Tebako literally means "portable box...

Rectangular and flat lacquer Kobako (small box) representing a furoshiki knot seen from above. Fundame background, furoshiki in takamaki-e with floral pattern, inside the folds of the fabric with black and gold sayagata pattern with togidashi maki-e technique. The saya (or sayagata) pattern is composed of Chinese swastikas...

Tiny suzuribako (writing set) in black and gold hiramaki-e lacquer with water plantain (Alisma plantago-acquatica) decoration. Interior in nashi-ji lacquer, with a rectangular water cup...

Inro with four gold lacquer boxes, decorated with a lake landscape. Accompanied by a bronze ryusa manju. Small boxes formed of compartments that fit one on top of the other, inro (? ?) are traditional Japanese clothing...

Eight-sided, flared shaped lacquer kobako box, following the decoration on the lid depicting a basket of flowers, composed of peonies and chrysanthemums in gold takamaki-e and hirama...

Black and gold maki-e and hirame-ji lacquer box representing a branch of plum tree in bloom which is entangled in a low wall, highlighted by mother-of-pearl inlay (raden). Inner cover made of nashi-ji lacquer with mizuhiki threads and folds. These are elements, made of silk and washi paper, supposed to bring luck and happiness, intended to seal envelopes on the specifics events (gift, new year, birth, marriage, death, etc.). Shape and color of the threads vary according to the occasion celebrated and the desired meaning. Interior in nashi-ji lacquer, with water cup...

A Japanese red burgundy, gold and black lacquer box with round corners and silk cloth interior lining, circa early-20th century, 1920s, Japan. Box was desi...

With intricate construction and exquisite decoration, this fine tabletop tea chest is a true masterpiece of Japanese cabinetry and lacquerware. Decorated in ...

An antique jubako (stack boxes) with five tiers in an elongated octagon shape circa 19th century (end of Edo or beginning of Meiji period). jubako was traditionally used to store and...

Pretty lacquer tea caddy (natsume) with refined hiramaki-e (low-relief lacquer design) showcasing a pine tree forest (matsu) at the base of a mountain. Executed in shades of gold lac...

A fine and impressive Japanese gold maki-e decorated black lacquer five-tier jubako with presentation tray, two lids, and the original tomobako storage box, Meiji period, late 19th c...

Beautiful Japanese box in red lacquered wood; 19th century The lid is decorated with a landscape with a bird, trees and a setting sun. The inside of the box is covered with a lacque...