Edo Decorative Boxes
EDO STYLE
Edo furniture was created during a flourishing time for the decorative arts owing to the stability of the Tokugawa shogunate rule in Japan. Spanning from 1603 to 1867, this era of peace and economic growth supported artistic advancements in lacquer, woodblock printing, porcelain and other artisanal trades. Because the country was largely isolated, there was little outside influence, leading to centuries of exceptional attention to the design of its furnishings and the quality of its traditional arts.
Unlike during the Meiji period that followed, with an increase in domestic and international markets, furniture during the Edo period was predominately commissioned by the ruling class, although people from across social groups benefited from the burgeoning metropolitan hubs for artisanal trades. For instance, Kyoto became a major center for lacquer art. Most furniture pieces were made from wood such as cedar or ash, including the era’s sashimono cabinets, which involved fine joinery and were rooted in the Heian period.
Sashimono cabinets, which were built by master craftsmen in a range of different wood types owing to the various trees that populate Japan, occasionally featured a stack of slender drawers as well as sliding doors. They were popular with everyone from samurai to kabuki actors. Tansu storage chests crafted from wood with metal fittings were also common in Edo-period homes. Some were designed to be easily portable while others were made to double as staircases.
Painted folding screens, called byōbu, were also fashionable, with Japanese artists inspired by nature, literature and scenes of history and daily life to create vivid works. In Buddhist temples and the palatial homes of the aristocratic class, fusuma, or large sliding panels, would sometimes be adorned with gold or silver leaf. These dividers allowed interiors to change throughout the day, closing in small spaces for personal use or reflecting candlelight to illuminate communal spaces after dark.
Find a collection of Edo tables, lighting, decorative objects, wall decorations and more furniture on 1stDibs.
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Style: Edo
Japanese Momoyama Period Black Lacquer and Mother of Pearl Box, 16th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A fine and unusual Japanese black lacquer and mother of pearl inlaid box, Momoyama Period, 16th century, Japan.
The large box and cover featu...
Category
16th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Boxes
Materials
Lacquer, Abalone
Japanese 18th Century Tsukinami-e 6 Panel Floor Screen, Edo Period
Located in Norton, MA
A Japanese 18th Century Tsukinami-e 6 Panel Floor Screen depicts the Activities of the Twelve Months of the Year, mineral pigments on gold leaf, mounted on wood panels with 6 frames...
Category
18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Boxes
Materials
Gold Leaf
Antique Japanese Lacquer and Inlay Kang Table from Ryukyu Island
Located in Atlanta, GA
A small low table with lacquer and intricate mother-of-pearl inlay design from Ryukyu Islands kingdom circa 17-18th century. Ryukyuan kingdom was used to be an independent island cou...
Category
18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Boxes
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl, Lacquer
Antique Japanese Lacquer and Inlay Table from Ryukyu Islands
Located in Atlanta, GA
A small square-form table with lacquer and intricate mother-of-pearl inlay design from Ryukyu Islands kingdom circa 17-18th century. Ryukyuan kingdom was used to be an independent is...
Category
18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Boxes
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl, Lacquer
A Japanese Edo Period Lacquer Kogo (Incense) Box, late 17/early 18th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
Early Japanese Lacquer Incense Box (Kogo) Late 17thc. Of rectangular form with soft corners, decorated with a diaper pattern in gold lacquer on a brownish black ground, with pewter r...
Category
17th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Boxes
Materials
Pewter
Antique Japanese Lacquered Incense Box Kobako in Kodaiji Style
Located in Atlanta, GA
An antique lacquered small box that was likely used to contain incense powder (it is called Kobako in Japanese), circa early to mid-19th century of the Edo...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Japanese Nagasaki Export Lacquer Box with Depiction of the 'Trippenhuis'
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A Japanese Nagasaki export lacquer box with mother-of-pearl depiction of the Amsterdam ‘Trippenhuis’
Edo-period, circa 1830
H. 12.5 x W. 24 x D. 15 cm
?
The house depicted on t...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Boxes
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl, Lacquer
Japanese Lacquer Maki-E Scroll Box Fubako by Kansonsai Edo Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Japanese lacquered wood fubako (a box to store document or small scroll painting) circa late 18th century of Edo period. The rectangular box features a deep lid with rounded corners and recessed mid-edge and a lower box with two bronze medallion rings and tasseled silk ties. The surface of the fubako was elaborately decorated with hiramaki-e and a low takamaki-e on a mottled Mura-nashiji background. The motifs on the lid depict branches of Japanese pine with finely rendered needles on the lower part; on the upper part, it showcases fruited persimmon branches. Two different shades of gold fundame were used to contrast the design and augmented by scattered gold kirigane to highlight some of the leaves. The design continues and cascades down to all sides of the lid as well as the walls of the box. The two bronze medallions appear original to the box and the silk ties show significant fading from the age. This Fine fubako is signed on the lower wall "Kanshosai" in Kanji with a kao mark. All the trims were finished in gold fundame and the interiors a dense nashiji in gold.
Kanshosai is the mark of the distinguished lacquer artist Lizuka Toyo I who also signed his work "Toyosai". He was active in the second half of the 18th century during Edo period, employed by Hachisuka Shigeyoshi (1738-1801), daimyo of Awa on Shikoku Island. Although most survived work bearing his marks are inros, he was also known to decorated trays and other larger objects...
Category
Late 18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Japanese Lacquer Incense Box, Kogo, Momoyama or Edo Period, 16th/17th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A wonderful Japanese lacquer incense box, kogo, with a design of sparrows in flight, late Momoyama or early Edo Period, circa 1600, Japan.
The small box, called a kogo, was used t...
Category
Early 17th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Boxes
Materials
Gold, Pewter
Japanese Lacquered and Gold Leaf Storage Trunk (Nagamochi)
Located in London, GB
A fine lacquered and gold leaf Nagamochi dating from the late 18th century or early 19th century.
The exterior of the trunk and its gilded metal fittings are decorated with a folia...
Category
Late 18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Boxes
Materials
Gold Leaf
Japanese Gilt Tabako-Bon with Mountain Landscape, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This lacquered box is a Japanese tabako-bon, or 'tobacco tray,' used to store tobacco and smoking accessories. Believed to have evolved from the tradition...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Edo Decorative Boxes
Materials
Copper
Japanese Edo Period Igarashi School Long Lacquer Box, Tanzaku-Bako
Located in Austin, TX
A stunning Japanese Edo period lacquer tanzakubako, box for poem cards, late 18th-early 19th century, Edo Period, Japan.
Attributed to the Igarashi School, this box is masterfully ...
Category
Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Boxes
Materials
24k Gold
Japanese Black Lacquer Jubako Box with Stork Motif
Located in Stamford, CT
A four-tier Japanese Meiji period black lacquer Jubako box with stork and fir tree decoration. Box in four sections with lid.
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Boxes
Materials
Lacquer
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Located in Pasadena, CA
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Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Boxes
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Antique Japanese Inro by Shigehide Edo Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite four-case lacquered inro was dated to the latter part of 18th century to early 19th century (Edo period) and made by Shigehide. The opposite sides of the inro together features a lavish flower arrangement in a bamboo basket (ikebana). The detailed craftmanship was a true pleasure to behold. Mostly Takamaki-e (high relief) were used to texturize the delicate petals of the chrysanthemums, on which different shades of gold were used to create contrast. Raden (mother of pearl) shells were also used to highlight some leaves, rendering the piece an interesting balance of color and material. The interior was completed in a mottled gold finish. It was signed Shigehide on the bottom with a Kao. There is a small carved rabbit ojime bead...
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Late 18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Boxes
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Wood, Lacquer
Early 20th Century Lacquer Box, Japanese. Late Meiji period
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Early 20th century lacquer box, Japanese. Late Meiji period. Eggshell ground with lustrous gilded chrysanthemums. Softly rounded corners. Accompanied by a note "Very easily damaged. ...
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Early 20th Century Japanese Edo Decorative Boxes
Materials
Lacquer
Signed Mid 19th C. Edo/Meiji Period Miniature Lacquer Stacking Cabinet, Japan
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
The highly decorated tray in the form of a table frames a series of three stacking boxes, a further three lidded boxes and a tray concealed within, raised on ogee bracket feet.
This...
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19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Boxes
Materials
Lacquer
Free Shipping
H 4.89 in W 5.12 in D 3.51 in
18th Century Georgian Period English Mahogany Inlaid Tea Caddy
Located in Forney, TX
Beloved for its aesthetic beauty and exceptionally high quality, Georgian period furniture and decoration are arguably the most sought after and enduring pieces in British history. T...
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Late 18th Century English Antique Edo Decorative Boxes
Materials
Ebony, Mahogany, Satinwood
Japanese Lacquer Box
Located in New York, NY
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Edo Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood, Silk
Japanese antique wooden small Buddha statue / Edo period / 17th to 18th century
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a wooden Buddha statue made during the Edo period in Japan.
The material is cypress wood.
After that, it is painted white, then covered with black lacquer, and then painted o...
Category
17th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Boxes
Materials
Cypress
H 4.53 in W 3.71 in D 2.96 in
Japanese Cloisonne Box, Meiji Period, Late 19th Century, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A very fine and intricately decorated Japanese cloisonné box and cover, Meiji period, late 19th century, Japan.
The lidded trinket or jewelry...
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1890s Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass, Copper, Enamel
Japanese Lacquer Box, Kobako, "The Ivy Way", Edo Period, 19th Century, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
An exquisite Japanese tall lacquer box for incense implements, kobako, with a scene from The Tales of Ise, chapter 9, "The Ivy Way Through Mt. Utsu", Edo ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Boxes
Materials
Lacquer
Antique Japanese Cloisonne Meiji Enameled Kogo Incense Box with Ho Ho Bird
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji Era covered enamel brass kogo or box for incense. Circa: late 19th century to early 20th century. The box is enameled with polychrome floral and foliage pat...
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Early 20th Century Japanese Edo Decorative Boxes
Materials
Enamel
Japanese Black Lacquer Document Box with Plum Blossom Design, Taisho Period
Located in Prahran, Victoria
A high quality, antique, Japanese black lacquer document box. It has an external design of gold maki e plum blossoms. In Japanese culture plum blossom symbolises the beginning of Spring, having its own festival, the Ume Matsuri, alongside the more famous cherry blossom festival...
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1920s Japanese Vintage Edo Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
H 5.91 in W 16.15 in D 13 in
Japan Red Lacquered Box 19th century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
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...
Category
Late 20th Century Edo Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
Previously Available Items
Late Edo Period Wabi Sabi Japanese Box with Small Drawer
Located in London, GB
A beautifully worn late Edo period chestnut & cedar storage box with small drawer.
Perfect as a stand or storage or both!
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Boxes
Materials
Chestnut, Cedar
Free Shipping
H 8.47 in W 20.48 in D 14.18 in
Antique Japanese Lacquered Incense Box Kobako
Located in Atlanta, GA
An old lacquered small box that was likely used to contain incense powder (it is called Kobako), circa Momoyama to early Edo period (17th century). The square form box with a fitted ...
Category
17th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Japanese Iron Bound Sea Chest, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
This fantastic iron-bound lock box is a 19th-century Japanese sea chest known as kakesuzuri. Used on merchant vessels traveling the Japanese trade route known as Kitamae, sea chests ...
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Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Boxes
Materials
Iron
Japanese Black Antique Wooden Box / Wabi-Sabi Storage Box / 1785 / Edo Period
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a storage box made in 1785 during the Edo period in Japan.
The year of production is printed in ink on the back of the lid.
Probably the box that contained lacquer ware.
...
Category
Late 18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Boxes
Materials
Cedar
H 11.97 in W 12.52 in D 12.52 in
19th Century Japanese Hokkai, Lacquered Decorative Box in Gold and Black
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edo period Hokkai, lacquered and painted box. Beautifully painted gold flowers painted o lacquer. Rope can be removed. Brass over copper intricately hammered d...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass, Copper
Japanese Antique Paper-Covered Box 1800s-1860s/Edo Period Wabisabi Art mingei
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It is a box covered with old Japanese paper.
It is an item from the Edo period. (1800s-1860s)
A box made of bamboo is covered with paper.
The beautiful picture of the bird is sy...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Boxes
Materials
Bamboo, Paper
H 4.73 in W 10.24 in D 16.15 in
Japanese Antique Sword Case 1760s-1860s/Exhibition Stand Box Wabisabi Art
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It was a wooden box for storing Japanese swords.
It is an item from the Edo period. (1760-1860s)
It is covered with paper.
It seems to protect it from moisture.
Paper tears o...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Boxes
Materials
Cedar
H 5.32 in W 5.32 in D 38.39 in
Small Japanese Lacquer and Metal Mounted Hokkai, Edo Period, 19th Century, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A charming Japanese black and green lacquer hokkai, picnic box, with copper and gilt copper mounts, Edo Period, early 19th century, Japan.
The small hokkai of square shape and su...
Category
Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Boxes
Materials
Copper
H 10.75 in W 12.5 in L 10.75 in
1800s-1900s Edo Period Japanese Antique Box Folk Art Wabi Sabi
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It is a box of goods found in a Japanese private house.
It is probably an item from the Edo period to the Meiji period.
The rattan is covered with paper.
There may be tears in the...
Category
Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Boxes
Materials
Bamboo
Edo Period Zitan Wood Suzuribako 'Writing Box' with Bamboo Design
Located in Hudson, NY
Edo Period Zitan Wood Suzuribako (Writing Box) with bamboo design, Zitan wood (as stated on storage box) suzuribako with image of bamboo in makie (raised gold). Inner cover has two s...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Boxes
Materials
Gold Leaf
Japanese Lacquer Sutra Box with Imperial Mon, Kyobako, Edo Period, 18th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A fine and elegant Japanese sutra box, called a kyobako, in black and gold lacquer, featuring a large imperial sixteen petal chrysanthemum mon against a raised gold lacquer diaper gr...
Category
Early 19th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Boxes
Materials
Lacquer
H 4 in W 6.75 in D 8.75 in
Black Lacquer Japanese Ink Stone Box in Presentation Case
Located in Stamford, CT
Black lacquer Japanese ink stone box in presentation case decorated with gold mons, late 18th-early 19th century Edo period.
Category
18th Century Japanese Antique Edo Decorative Boxes
Materials
Lacquer
Edo decorative boxes for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Edo decorative boxes for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee.
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