What is a Japanese puzzle box?

A Japanese puzzle box, called himitsu-bako, are wooden boxes which keep items safe from theft through an intricate mechanical pattern. These boxes require specific steps moving the mechanism to release the obscured lid, opening to reveal the cavity within.

How do I clean a Japanese lacquer box?

To clean a Japanese lacquer box, start by moistening a soft lint-free cloth with warm water. Ring it out and then gently rub every surface. Do not use soap as it may damage the lacquer. Dry the box promptly with a second soft, dry lint-free cloth. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Japanese lacquer boxes.

Which object in a Japanese writing box was considered the most precious and permanent?

The inkstone was the most precious and permanent object in a Japanese writing set. It is a mortar used for mixing dry ink with water for the purposes of writing. You'll find a selection of Japanese writing boxes on 1stDibs.

Japanese Imari Box

Japanese Imari Box For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal Japanese imari box for your home. Each Japanese imari box for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using ceramic, porcelain and metal. Find 8 options for an antique or vintage Japanese imari box now, or shop our selection of 62 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect Japanese imari box — we have versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century are available. A Japanese imari box made by Baroque designers — as well as those associated with Louis XVI — is very popular. Edmé Samson, Imari Porcelain and Samson & Cie each produced at least one beautiful Japanese imari box that is worth considering.

How Much is a Japanese Imari Box?

The average selling price for a Japanese imari box at 1stDibs is $688, while they’re typically $120 on the low end and $23,500 for the highest priced.

Finding the Right Ceramics for You

With their rich and diverse history, antique, new and vintage Asian ceramics offer colorful and sophisticated ways to add flair to any space.

Japanese pottery dates back at least 13,000 years to the Jōmon period. Pieces from the Late Jōmon era display a rope-cord pattern encircling a pot or jug. During the Muromachi period, potters created simple bowls and utensils frequently used in tea ceremonies and were made as both functional and aesthetic objects.

Ceramics made during Japan’s Meiji period, from 1868 to 1912, reflected an explosion of artistic expression propelled by new access to international trade. Details became more intricate and refined, and colors were enhanced with new glazing practices.

Chinese porcelain, meanwhile, is often identified by its shape. Each reign and dynasty had specific shapes and styles that were encouraged by the imperial ruler. During the Song dynasty, for instance, there were four dominant types of ceramic vase shapes: plum-shaped, pear-shaped, cong-shaped (tall and square) and double-gourd.

Chinese ceramics that were made during the Qing dynasty were demonstrative of an expanded artistic expression, with more delicate shapes and a focus on intricate detailing. The shapes of ceramics from this era are thinner, taller and have subtle features like a gentle flare, such as on the mallet-shaped vase.

Later, the 17th- and 18th-century interior design trend of chinoiserie brought Asian paintings and screens, textiles and other art and furniture from the continent into many European homes.

Explore an extensive range of antique, new and vintage Asian ceramics on 1stDibs to find the perfect piece for your home.

Questions About Japanese Imari Box

What is a Japanese puzzle box?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
A Japanese puzzle box, called himitsu-bako, are wooden boxes which keep items safe from theft through an intricate mechanical pattern. These boxes require specific steps moving the mechanism to release the obscured lid, opening to reveal the cavity within.
How do I clean a Japanese lacquer box?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
To clean a Japanese lacquer box, start by moistening a soft lint-free cloth with warm water. Ring it out and then gently rub every surface. Do not use soap as it may damage the lacquer. Dry the box promptly with a second soft, dry lint-free cloth. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Japanese lacquer boxes.
Which object in a Japanese writing box was considered the most precious and permanent?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The inkstone was the most precious and permanent object in a Japanese writing set. It is a mortar used for mixing dry ink with water for the purposes of writing. You'll find a selection of Japanese writing boxes on 1stDibs.

Chicago’s Pagoda Red Has a Spirited Mix of Asian Antiques and Bold New Art

For 25 years, gallerist Betsy Nathan has leveraged her keen eye and key connections to bring a unique selection of rare finds to the market.

In L.A., Gallerist JF Chen Has Long Championed Eclectic Blue-Chip Design

Now working alongside his daughter Bianca, dealer Joel Chen has presented a most covetable array of antiques, art and contemporary creations for more than 40 years.

12 Calming Spaces Inspired by Japanese Design

From cherry-blossom-adorned walls paired with glamorous lighting to wood-paneled ceilings above checkerboard-patterned chairs, these 12 spaces seamlessly blend Eastern and Western aesthetics.

Rodrigo Rivero Lake’s Mexico City Showroom Is a Museum-Worthy Trove of Spanish Colonial and Asian Antiques

The dealer and curator has spent the past 50 years amassing a collection of exceptional art, furniture and architectural elements that trace the cultural influence of the Spanish empire from Europe to the Americas and beyond.

16 Refined Asian-Inspired Interiors

These spaces exemplify how Eastern elements elevate a home's decor.

Japanese Imari Box

Antique 19th Century Japanese Decorative Bowls

Great Japanese Imari Box Peony Flowers Butterfly Flowers, 19th Century

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Decorative Boxes

Meiji Period Imari Gourd Shaped Box with Moth Handle, by Fukagawa

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Jewelry Boxes

Japanese Contemporary Ko-Imari Gold Blue Porcelain Koro Incense Burner

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Meiji Decorative Boxes

Japanese Porcelain Large Box in the form of a Butterfly

Antique 17th Century Edo Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Antique Ko-Imari Edo Period 17C Japanese Porcelain Box Arita PEACOCK

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Japonisme Ceramics

19th Century Imari Porcelain Lidded Bowl Jewelry Box

Antique 19th Century Japanese Porcelain

Rare and Fabulous Heart-Shaped Imari Porcelain Box

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Decorative Boxes

Japanese Ko-Imari Gilded Two-Tiered Lidded Decorative Porcelain Box

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Decorative Boxes

Japanese Ko-Imari Gold Blue Two-Tiered Lidded Porcelain Box

Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Ceramics

19th Century Imari Porcelain Treasure Box

Antique 1890s Japanese Japonisme Ceramics

Imari Blue 2 Large Chargers ceramic in His Original Box, Japon, Porcelaine, 1897

Antique 19th Century Japanese Porcelain

Rare 19th C. Imari melon shaped porcelain box

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Ceramics

Japanese Meiji Imari Covered Box by Koransha with Fish Handle