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 Incense Box

18th Century Japanned Box

Japan Edo Lacquer

Silver Box Japan

Japanese Lacquered Art

Satsuma Incense

Maki E

Japanese Containers

Japanese 19th Century Lacquer

Gold Lacquer Incense Box

$9,850

Gold Lacquer Incense Box

Located in New Orleans, LA

A Gold Lacquer Kōbako (Incense Box) Edo Period (1615–1868), Circa 1850 This exquisite gold lacquer kōbako (incense box) exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of the Edo period.

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Edo Decorative Boxes

Materials

Gold, Silver, Gold Leaf

Pair of Whimsical Japanese Porcelain Rabbit Kogo Incense Boxes

$895 / set

Pair of Whimsical Japanese Porcelain Rabbit Kogo Incense Boxes

Located in Forney, TX

A fascinating pair of Japanese porcelain kogo (incense containers), crouching rabbit figures, hand painted, polychrome decorated with mon inspired symbols. The top half lifts off to ...

Category

Antique 19th Century Decorative Boxes

Materials

Porcelain, Wood

A Japanese Edo Period Lacquer Kogo (Incense) Box, late 17/early 18th Century

$3,500

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

Antique 17th Century Japanese Edo Decorative Boxes

Materials

Pewter

Antique Japanese Kutani Porcelain Tripod Incense Burner by Taniguchi

$1,920Sale Price|20% Off

Antique Japanese Kutani Porcelain Tripod Incense Burner by Taniguchi

By Taniguchi Komin

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your consideration, an Antique japanese Kutani porcelain tripod incense burner by Taniguchi. Tripod container ( assume is an incense burner) made on porcelain with gilt finish. ...

Category

Vintage 1940s Japanese Anglo-Japanese Decorative Boxes

Materials

Porcelain

Japanese Vintage Incense Utensils for Tea Ceremony Kougou Kiseto Ware 1950s

$285

Japanese Vintage Incense Utensils for Tea Ceremony Kougou Kiseto Ware 1950s

Located in Paris, FR

This item will come with a wooden box. Seto ware is a type of Japanese pottery, stoneware, and ceramics produced in and around the city of Seto in Aichi Prefecture, Japan.

Category

Vintage 1950s Japanese Showa Decorative Boxes

Materials

Porcelain

Japanese Vintage Incense Utensils for Tea Ceremony Kougou Oribe ware 1950s

$308

Japanese Vintage Incense Utensils for Tea Ceremony Kougou Oribe ware 1950s

Located in Paris, FR

This item will come with a wooden box. Oribe ware is a style of Japanese pottery that first appeared in the sixteenth century.

Category

Vintage 1950s Japanese Showa Decorative Boxes

Materials

Porcelain

Japanese Lacquer Kogo 'Incense Box'

$4,900

Japanese Lacquer Kogo 'Incense Box'

Located in Hudson, NY

Late Edo (1614 - 1868) period incense storage box in stacked, double fan design. Fans have bamboo and plum design with a chrysanthemum crest. Silver metal rim and seat, nashiji (gold...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Edo Lacquer

Materials

Gold

Antique Japanese Lacquered Incense Box Kobako Ex-Christie's

$3,000

Antique Japanese Lacquered Incense Box Kobako Ex-Christie's

Located in Atlanta, GA

An old Japanese lacquered small box likely used to contain incense powder called Kobako, circa Momoyama to early Edo period (16-17th century).

Category

Antique 17th Century Japanese Japonisme Lacquer

Materials

Lead

Japanese Stacking Incense Box, Ju-Kobako, Meiji Period, Mid 19th century, Japan

$6,000

Japanese Stacking Incense Box, Ju-Kobako, Meiji Period, Mid 19th century, Japan

Located in Austin, TX

An exquisite small Japanese maki-e lacquer stacking box for incense and accessories, ju-kobako, late Edo or early Meiji Period, mid 19th century, Japan.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Meiji Lacquer

Materials

Silver

Japanese Little Porcelain Box for Incense and Jewelry 1980s KOUUN

$285

Japanese Little Porcelain Box for Incense and Jewelry 1980s KOUUN

Located in Paris, FR

This is a small box which is made with porcelain. This can be used as KOURO (the box we use to put some incense which we use during a traditional tea ceremony.). And also as a jewelr...

Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Showa Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

Japanese Kodaiji Maki-e Lacquer Kyarabako Incense Box, Momoyama Period

$10,200

Japanese Kodaiji Maki-e Lacquer Kyarabako Incense Box, Momoyama Period

Located in Austin, TX

A striking and rare Japanese Kodaiji style lacquer kyara-bako, box for precious agarwood incense, Momoyama period (1573-1615), late 16th to early 17th century, Japan.

Category

Antique 16th Century Japanese Edo Lacquer

Materials

Copper

Vintage Mid-Century Cast Iron Japanese Koro Bird / Pheasant Incense Burner / Box

$275

Vintage Mid-Century Cast Iron Japanese Koro Bird / Pheasant Incense Burner / Box

Located in San Diego, CA

A sculptural Mid-Century Japanese bird-form incense vessel, beautifully crafted in patinated metal and inspired by the refined traditions of Japanese incense culture. The piece takes...

Category

Vintage 1960s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Metalwork

Materials

Iron

Small Japanese Lacquer Duck Incense Box, Kogo, Meiji Period, Late 19th Century

$2,900

Small Japanese Lacquer Duck Incense Box, Kogo, Meiji Period, Late 19th Century

Located in Austin, TX

An exquisite Japanese Meiji Period small lacquer incense box, kogo, in the form of a duck or goose, late 19th century, Japan.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Lacquer

Materials

Lacquer

Old Japanese Porcelain Lidded Incense Burner in the Original Box

$345

Old Japanese Porcelain Lidded Incense Burner in the Original Box

Located in Norton, MA

Old Japanese porcelain lidded incense burner in the original box The lid with the lion, two pierced handles on each side, and four feet at the four corners to stand.

Category

Mid-20th Century Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

Japanese Meiji Period (1868-1912) Satsuma Kogo Incense Box by Taizan Yohei

$2,455

Japanese Meiji Period (1868-1912) Satsuma Kogo Incense Box by Taizan Yohei

By Taizan Yohei IX

Located in Newark, England

DEPICTING BISHAMON ONE OF THE SEVEN LUCKY GODS From our Japanese Satsuma collection, we are delighted to offer this Japanese Satsuma Kogo by Taizan. The Satsuma Kogo of petit circul...

Category

Antique Early 1900s Japanese Meiji Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Earthenware, Pottery

Early Edo Nashiji Maki-e Tiered Writing & Incense Box

$31,700

Early Edo Nashiji Maki-e Tiered Writing & Incense Box

Located in Taichung, TW

The Design & Impact: This museum quality, tiered writing box (kasane suzuribako) represents a breathtaking convergence of traditional calligraphy (shodo) and the highly formalize...

Category

Antique 17th Century Japanese Lacquer

Materials

Wood, Urushi lacquer

Edo Period Imperial Gold Maki-e Incense Box, Deer & Autumn Leaves

$52,000

Edo Period Imperial Gold Maki-e Incense Box, Deer & Autumn Leaves

Located in Taichung, TW

The Design & Impact: This extraordinary antique incense box (kobako) is a breathtaking example of aristocratic Japanese aesthetics.

Category

Antique 17th Century Japanese Lacquer

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

An incense box in the shape of a shell with waka inscriptions

$1,828

An incense box in the shape of a shell with waka inscriptions

Located in Milano, IT

An incense box (kōgō) made from a real shell, painted in gold on the inside with waka (和歌) inscriptions, likely of poetic or romantic character. The object recalls the shells used i...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Japanese Japonisme Antiquities

Materials

Shell

Vintage Japanese Lacquer Duck Box by Zohiko, Showa Era, Mid 20th Century, Japan

$900

Vintage Japanese Lacquer Duck Box by Zohiko, Showa Era, Mid 20th Century, Japan

By Zōhiko Studio

Located in Austin, TX

A finely decorated vintage Japanese box for precious incense, kogo, in the shape of a male mandarin duck, oshidori, by Zohiko, Showa Era, 1960's, or earlier.

Category

Vintage 1960s Japanese Showa Lacquer

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Recent Sales

Bronze Kirin Incensor Bird Ingot Original Wooden Box, Japan

Unavailable

H 10.25 in W 11.5 in D 5 in

Bronze Kirin Incensor Bird Ingot Original Wooden Box, Japan

Located in Monterey, CA

This bronze incense comes with its original wooden box. It is from Japan from the late Edo period, circa 1850.

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

A Fine Japanese Satsuma kogo (incense box) Signed by Kinkozan. Meiji period

Unavailable

H 1.78 in Dm 3.75 in

A Fine Japanese Satsuma kogo (incense box) Signed by Kinkozan. Meiji period

Located in London, GB

A Satsuma circular kogo (incense box) and cover signed by Kinkozan 19th century Finely painted in enamels and gilt, the cover with wisteria and a scene of a woman and children ...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Lacquer Incense Box, Duck, Animal, Lacquerware, Container, 19th Century, Japan

Unavailable

H 2.76 in Dm 4.73 in

Lacquer Incense Box, Duck, Animal, Lacquerware, Container, 19th Century, Japan

Located in London, GB

Title: Small Lacquer Incense Box Date: 19th century Dimensions: (W) 7 (D) 12 (H) 7 cm Condition: Wear consistent with age and use. A small lacquer incense box and cover in the sh...

Category

19th Century Mixed Media

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Antique Japanese Meiji Enameled Kogo Incense Box

Sold

H 3 in W 3.5 in D 1.375 in

Antique Japanese Meiji Enameled Kogo Incense Box

Located in Long Island City, NY

An antique Japanese Meiji Era enamel over brass kogo or box for incense.

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Decorative Boxes

Materials

Enamel

Porcelain Gucci Lidded Box with Incense 420 Holder

Sold

H 1 in W 3 in D 5.75 in

Porcelain Gucci Lidded Box with Incense 420 Holder

By Gucci

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A wonderful porcelain box with the Gucci logo. Originally sold as a set for Incense, the holder is also included with some incense. We would suggest using this for a desk accessory, ...

Category

20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Japanese Old Mulberry Small Container / 1912-1960 / Incense Container

Sold

H 1.19 in Dm 3.55 in

Japanese Old Mulberry Small Container / 1912-1960 / Incense Container

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

This is a container for incense made in Japan around the Taisho to mid-Showa period. It is made of mulberry. Mulberry is a high-grade wood that has long been used for fine furnit...

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Taisho Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Other

Japanese Contemporary Ko-Imari Gold Blue Porcelain Koro Incense Burner

Sold

H 3 in Dm 3 in

Japanese Contemporary Ko-Imari Gold Blue Porcelain Koro Incense Burner

Located in Takarazuka, JP

Stunning contemporary Japanese Ko-Imari style porcelain koro or incense burner or jewelry box, hand painted on a beautifully shaped round body in cobalt blue, red and green and gener...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Meiji Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Gold

An unusual Satsuma kogo box shaped like an egg, signed Kinkozan-zo

Sold

H 3.94 in Dm 2.76 in

An unusual Satsuma kogo box shaped like an egg, signed Kinkozan-zo

Located in Milano, IT

An unusual and rare Satsuma ceramic kogo (Japanese incense box) in the form of an egg, decorated with gold and polychrome enamels, raised on three small feet, signed Kinkozan-zo.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Japanese Contemporary Black Gold Porcelain Koro Incense Burner

Sold

H 5 in Dm 4 in

Japanese Contemporary Black Gold Porcelain Koro Incense Burner

Located in Takarazuka, JP

Exquisite contemporary Japanese porcelain maki-e pattern koro or incense burner, hand painted on a beautifully shaped round body in Black with generous application of gold, character...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Cigar Boxes and Humidors

Materials

Gold

Antique Japanese Lacquered Incense Box Kobako

Sold

H 1.95 in W 3.2 in D 3.5 in

Antique Japanese Lacquered Incense Box Kobako

Located in Atlanta, GA

An old and exquisite Japanese lacquered small box likely used to contain incense powder (it is called Kobako), circa Momoyama to Edo period (17th century).

Category

Antique 17th Century Japanese Japonisme Lacquer

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Antique Japanese Cloisonne Ginbari Enamel Kogo Incense Box

Sold

H 3.25 in Dm 3.25 in

Antique Japanese Cloisonne Ginbari Enamel Kogo Incense Box

Located in Long Island City, NY

An antique Japanese Meiji Era Ginbari enamel kogo or box for incense.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Metalwork

Materials

Enamel

Japanese Lacquer House Shaped Incense Box, Kogo, Meiji Period, Japan

Sold

H 2.75 in W 3 in D 2.5 in

Japanese Lacquer House Shaped Incense Box, Kogo, Meiji Period, Japan

Located in Austin, TX

The kogo, or small box for storing incense, takes the whimsical form of a traditional Japanese home, minka, with the removable high, thatched roof serving as the cover for the box.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Lacquer

Materials

Lacquer

Japanese Lovely Antique Rabbit Miniature Incense Container Kogo, Boxed

Sold

H 2.75 in Dm 0.75 in

Japanese Lovely Antique Rabbit Miniature Incense Container Kogo, Boxed

Located in South Burlington, VT

Japanese a fine antique handcrafted, hand-glazed round two part ceramic incense container -kogo- in effigy of a big eared rabbit -usagi- and in lovely mildly used but well loved cond...

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Gucci 1980s Perfumed Incense Box

Sold

W 3 in L 4 in

Gucci 1980s Perfumed Incense Box

By Gucci

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Underside stamped Gucci made in Japan. Includes original box.

Category

1980s Japanese Miscellaneous

Fine Lacquer Kogo 'Incense Box'

Sold

H 2 in W 4.25 in D 3.5 in

Fine Lacquer Kogo 'Incense Box'

Located in Hudson, NY

Exquisitely detailed incense storage box in gold lacquer with silver and gold overlays of a folded screen with heron and willow design. Flowers and winding leaves on the sides.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Lacquer

Materials

Lacquer

Antique Japanese Meiji Cloisonne Enamel Kogo Box

Sold

H 1.25 in Dm 3 in

Antique Japanese Meiji Cloisonne Enamel Kogo Box

Located in Long Island City, NY

An antique Japanese copper Kogo box for incense. Early Meiji period, ca. 1870s.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Metalwork

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Very Fine Crane-Shaped Incense Box By a Renowned Japanese Artist

Sold

H 1.78 in W 2.17 in D 3.35 in

Very Fine Crane-Shaped Incense Box By a Renowned Japanese Artist

Located in Fukuoka, JP

A finely crafted crane-shaped Japanese incense box, created by a renowned artist and executed with great attention to form and detail.

Category

20th Century Japanese Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

Antique Japanese Cloisonne Incense Burner, 19th Century

Sold

H 12.75 in Dm 10 in

Antique Japanese Cloisonne Incense Burner, 19th Century

Located in Long Island City, NY

A fine antique Japanese lidded incense burner, made of brass and covered with polychrome cloisonne enamel patterns depicting traditional stylized floral motifs surrounding the centra...

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Enamel, Brass

Japanese Kyoto Pottery Censor Incense Burner Atomic Yellow Crackle Glaze

Sold

H 3 in Dm 3 in

Japanese Kyoto Pottery Censor Incense Burner Atomic Yellow Crackle Glaze

By Kyoto Pottery

Located in Wilton, CT

Kyoto pottery tripod censor with pierced cover in the form of a blossom and bright yellow crackle glaze, circa early 20th century. Measures: 3" high, 3" diameter. Excellent condition.

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Art Nouveau Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Pottery

Antique Japanese Lacquered Incense Box Kobako

Sold

H 2 in W 3 in D 3 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

Antique 17th Century Japanese Edo Lacquer

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Japanese Lacquer Incense Box, Kogo, Taisho Period, Early 20th Century, Japan

Sold

H 1.13 in W 3.25 in D 2.88 in

Japanese Lacquer Incense Box, Kogo, Taisho Period, Early 20th Century, Japan

Located in Austin, TX

A lovely and graphic Japanese small incense box, kogo, with various tomoe mon, Taisho period (1912 - 1926), Japan.

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Lacquer

Materials

Lacquer

Antique Japanese Lacquered Incense Box Kobako in Kodaiji Style

Sold

H 2 in W 3 in D 3 in

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 period.

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Edo Lacquer

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Japanese Lacquer Clam Shaped Incense Box, Kogo, by Zohiko, Meiji Period, Japan

Sold

H 2.75 in W 4.75 in D 2.75 in

Japanese Lacquer Clam Shaped Incense Box, Kogo, by Zohiko, Meiji Period, Japan

By Zōhiko Studio

Located in Austin, TX

A very fine Japanese lacquer kogo, box for incense, in the shape of two clams, by Zohiko, Meiji period, late 19th or early 20th century, Japan.

Category

Antique Early 1900s Japanese Meiji Lacquer

Materials

Lacquer

Antique Japanese Lacquered Incense Box Kobako with MOP Inlays

Sold

H 1.6 in W 2.8 in D 3.5 in

Antique Japanese Lacquered Incense Box Kobako with MOP Inlays

Located in Atlanta, GA

An old Japanese lacquered small box likely used to contain incense powder called Kobako, circa Edo period (17-18th century).

Category

Antique 18th Century Japanese Japonisme Lacquer

Materials

Wood, Lacquer, Mother-of-Pearl

Japanese Lacquer Incense Accessories Box, Kobako, Edo Period, mid 19th c, Japan

Sold

H 3.75 in W 7.25 in D 5.5 in

Japanese Lacquer Incense Accessories Box, Kobako, Edo Period, mid 19th c, Japan

Located in Austin, TX

A remarkable Japanese maki-e lacquer box for incense accessories, kobako, with interior fitted tray, kakego, designed with a temple complex scene, late Edo Period, mid 19th century, ...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Edo Lacquer

Materials

Silk, Softwood, Cypress, Lacquer

Satsuma Three Pieces, Vase, Lidded Box and an Incense Burner, Japan

Sold

H 7.09 in Dm 3.94 in

Satsuma Three Pieces, Vase, Lidded Box and an Incense Burner, Japan

Located in København, Copenhagen

Satsuma: Three pieces, vase, lidded box and an incense burner. Decorated with figures on gold.

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Ceramics

Japanese Tagasode (Whose Sleeves?) Lacquer Incense Box, Kobako, Meiji Period

Sold

H 1 in W 4 in D 3.25 in

Japanese Tagasode (Whose Sleeves?) Lacquer Incense Box, Kobako, Meiji Period

Located in Austin, TX

A fine and unusual Japanese lacquer box for incense accessories, kobako, featuring a tagasode (whose sleeves?)

Category

Antique Early 1900s Japanese Meiji Lacquer

Materials

Silver

Japanese Lovely Antique Glazed Miniature Owl Incense Container Mint Signed Boxed

Sold

H 2.75 in W 1.5 in D 1.5 in

Japanese Lovely Antique Glazed Miniature Owl Incense Container Mint Signed Boxed

Located in South Burlington, VT

Japanese older antique handcrafted, hand-painted miniature ceramic owl incense container -Kogo- in mint condition.

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Japanese Lacquer Incense Kogo Box with Fine Maki-e Design Meiji Period

Sold

H 2.25 in Dm 3.5 in

Japanese Lacquer Incense Kogo Box with Fine Maki-e Design Meiji Period

Located in Atlanta, GA

A small circular lacquer box designed to as a container to store incense (known as a kogo in Japanese).

Category

Antique 1890s Japanese Japonisme Lacquer

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Japanese Lacquer Incense Box, Kogo, Momoyama or Edo Period, 16th/17th Century

Sold

H 2.75 in W 3.75 in D 3.75 in

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 plovers in flight, late Momoyama or early Edo Period, circa 1600, Japan.

Category

Antique Early 17th Century Japanese Edo Lacquer

Materials

Gold, Pewter

19th Century Oriental Wooden Toad Opium Incense Secret Box

Sold

H 4.34 in W 9.45 in D 5.91 in

19th Century Oriental Wooden Toad Opium Incense Secret Box

Located in Lowestoft, GB

An unusual 19th century oriental wooden toad. The carved amphibian crouching on a red wooden base, its body encrusted with warts the odd one is missing , a small red carved amphibia...

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Softwood

Kôbako, lacquer box for storing incense (#004789), 19th century

Sold

H 2.25 in W 5.28 in D 4.06 in

Kôbako, lacquer box for storing incense (#004789)

Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE

Kôbako (lacquer box), for storing incense for Kôdô (“Way of Incense”).

Category

19th Century Other Art Style More Art

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Spectacular Incense Box, Hills and River, Gold and Silver Chrysanthemums

Sold

H 9.5 in W 8 in D 7.5 in

Spectacular Incense Box, Hills and River, Gold and Silver Chrysanthemums

Located in Hudson, NY

Incense box in nashiji lacquer with design of river flowing through highly defined hills that are strewn with chrysanthemums. Several uses of gold lacquer, cut gold and gold sheeting...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Lacquer

Materials

Gold, Silver

Japanese Lacquer Box, Kobako, "The Ivy Way", Edo Period, 19th Century, Japan

Sold

H 4 in W 6.5 in D 4 in

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.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Edo Lacquer

Materials

Lacquer

Japanese Incense Box in the Form of a Cicada

Sold

W 4 in

Japanese Incense Box in the Form of a Cicada

Located in Seattle, WA

A Japanese boxwood incense box (kogo) in the form of a cicada (semi).

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Boxes

Materials

Wood, Mother-of-Pearl

Japanese Fan Brass Incense Burner

Sold

H 2 in W 8 in D 5.25 in

Japanese Fan Brass Incense Burner

Located in Richmond, VA

Beautiful solid brass incense burner in the shape of a fan, marked Japan.

Category

Vintage 1960s Japanese Japonisme Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

A Japanese Patinated Bronze Incense Burner, Signed: Shugoro

Sold

H 5 in W 3.5 in D 2.5 in

A Japanese Patinated Bronze Incense Burner, Signed: Shugoro

By Shugoro Hasuda

Located in New York, NY

Superbly modeled and cast vase of rarely seen form. Of rectangular archaic form with linear incised decoration and square cover. With a Tomobako (original wooden box). Hasuda Shugo...

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bronze

Edo Japanese Lacquered Incense Box

Sold

H 4.14 in W 5.12 in D 5.52 in

Edo Japanese Lacquered Incense Box

Located in Paris, FR

Black background lacquer box with a decor of foliage and flowers. It contains a small tray supporting six assorted boxes with the symbols of the "Tale of Genji."

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Japanese Lacquer

Materials

Lacquer, Wood

Edo Lacquer Incense Box

Sold

H 1 in Dm 3 in

Edo Lacquer Incense Box

Located in San Francisco, CA

A very beautiful Edo period lacquered incense box featuring a badger staring at the crescent moon.

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Animal Sculptures

Materials

Gold, Silver

Japanese Incense Box 'Kogo' Shaped as a Knot, Mid Edo Period, 18th Century

Sold

H 1.23 in W 3.51 in D 2.17 in

Japanese Incense Box 'Kogo' Shaped as a Knot, Mid Edo Period, 18th Century

Located in Milano, IT

Black ground; decoration in gold hiramaki-e. Rims: pewter. Provenance: Charles A. Greenfield collection Private collection, Switzerland Exhibited: New York, 1980, The Metro...

Category

Antique 18th Century Japanese Lacquer

Materials

Wood

Miniature Antique Japanese Satsuma Pottery Censer or Koro

$950

H 3.5 in Dm 3 in

Miniature Antique Japanese Satsuma Pottery Censer or Koro

By Kinkozan

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine antique Japanese Satsuma pottery incense burner. With a cream ground and an extensively gilt exterior. There are numerous cartouches around the censer with each having a un...

Category

Early 20th Century Meiji Ceramics

Materials

Pottery

Japanese Satsuma Incense Burner, Koro, with Silver Lid, Meiji Period, Japan

$2,400

H 6 in Dm 5 in

Japanese Satsuma Incense Burner, Koro, with Silver Lid, Meiji Period, Japan

Located in Austin, TX

A fantastic Japanese Satsuma incense burner, koro, with phoenix and brocade designs and a silver lid, Meiji Period, late 19th century, Japan. The censer, called a koro in Japan, of ...

Category

Antique 1890s Japanese Meiji Ceramics

Materials

Silver

Vintage Regency Lefton Ceramic Rabbits - Set of 2

$95 / set

H 3.5 in W 4 in D 2 in

Vintage Regency Lefton Ceramic Rabbits - Set of 2

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This charming set of two vintage Lefton ceramic rabbit figurines captures the delicate beauty of nature with intricate hand-painted details. Featuring a lifelike design, soft white f...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Regency Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Japanese Rinpa Style Lacquer Box Meiji Period

$2,200

H 2 in W 4.5 in D 5.5 in

Japanese Rinpa Style Lacquer Box Meiji Period

Located in Atlanta, GA

A black lacquer tebako (hand box) with maki-e decoration and silver trim, circa late 19th century, Meiji period. The surface of the lid features a Rinpa style maki-e paint depicting ...

Category

Antique 1890s Japanese Japonisme Lacquer

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Late 19th century Chinese Pair of Ceramic Ginger pots, 1890s

$1,737Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 9.06 in Dm 7.49 in

Late 19th century Chinese Pair of Ceramic Ginger pots, 1890s

Located in LEGNY, FR

Pair of Chinese Ginger jars dating from the end of the 19th century. Lids with phô dogs as handles. Decorated with colorful birds and flowers. Very elegant and delicate. Red stamp be...

Category

Antique 1890s Chinese Decorative Baskets

Materials

Ceramic

Japanese Lacquer Maki-E Scroll Box Fubako by Kansonsai Edo Period

$7,600

H 3.5 in W 12.75 in D 4.5 in

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 corner...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Japanese Edo Lacquer

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Japanese Glazed Ceramic and Silver Koro Incense Burner Makuzu Kozan

$6,800

H 5.125 in Dm 6 in

Japanese Glazed Ceramic and Silver Koro Incense Burner Makuzu Kozan

By Makuzu Kozan

Located in Atlanta, GA

A tri-pod ceramic incense burner (koro) by Japanese Imperial potter Makuzu Kozan (1842-1916) circa late Meiji to the start of Taisho period (1890-1910s). A fine example of the artist...

Category

Antique Early 1900s Japanese Japonisme Ceramics

Materials

Silver

Antique Chinese Export Lacquer Box Qing Period Circa 1850

$1,705

H 5.71 in W 8.86 in D 6.5 in

Antique Chinese Export Lacquer Box Qing Period Circa 1850

Located in Northampton, GB

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Chinese export lacquer box dating to the late Daoguang period, circa 1850. Of lobed octagonal form, the lacquer box is decorated throughout upon a black gro...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Lacquer

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Japanese Lacquer Smoking Box, Tabako Bon, Edo Period, 19th Century

$3,800

H 6.75 in W 9 in D 5.25 in

Japanese Lacquer Smoking Box, Tabako Bon, Edo Period, 19th Century

Located in Austin, TX

A very fine Japanese maki-e lacquer decorated tabako bon, or smoking box, late Edo Period, mid-19th century, Japan. The elegant smoking box of black lacquer decorated with a wonde...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Edo Lacquer

Materials

Lacquer

Black and Gilt Chinoiserie Lacquer Box

$695

H 6 in W 12 in D 8.75 in

Black and Gilt Chinoiserie Lacquer Box

Located in Charlottesville, VA

A lacquered box of canted rectangular form, decorated overall in gilt on a black ground with figures gathered among pagodas, fences and flowering trees within borders of gilt dots an...

Category

20th Century Chinese Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood, Lacquer, Paint

Antique 18th Century Export Chinese Lacquer Gaming Box

$2,864Sale Price|20% Off

H 31 in W 24 in D 20 in

Antique 18th Century Export Chinese Lacquer Gaming Box

Located in Brea, CA

Antique 18th century export Chinese lacquer gaming box with hand painted scenes gilt export black lacquer, there are 7 gaming boxes and 12 trays, size: 15inch x 12 x 4.5.

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Chinese Qing Lacquer

Materials

Lacquer

Important Japanese Lacquer Presentation Box Gifted by Japanese President to RAF

$12,277

H 2.56 in W 5.71 in D 4.53 in

Important Japanese Lacquer Presentation Box Gifted by Japanese President to RAF

Located in Newark, England

PRESENTED BY THE 21ST PRESIDENT OF JAPAN From our Japanese collection, we are absolutely delighted to bring to market this Important Japanese Lacquer Presentation Box. The Presentat...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Art Deco Lacquer

Materials

Lacquer

Japanese Edo Period Igarashi School Long Lacquer Box, Tanzaku-Bako

$12,500

H 3 in W 4.5 in D 19.5 in

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

Antique Early 19th Century Japanese Edo Lacquer

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Lacquer

Antique Japanese Meiji Period Maki-e Lacquer Kinkaku-ji Box by Zohiko

$5,047

H 1.58 in W 5.12 in D 3.94 in

Antique Japanese Meiji Period Maki-e Lacquer Kinkaku-ji Box by Zohiko

Located in Newark, England

This Japanese Maki-e Lacquer Kinkaku-ji Box by Zohiko dates to the late Meiji period, circa 1910. Of rectangular form with rounded corners, the box (known as a kōbako 香箱 in Japanese)...

Category

Vintage 1910s Japanese Meiji Lacquer

Materials

Silver

Japanese Lacquer Ryoshibako Document Box Meiji Period

$8,000

H 6.5 in W 13 in D 16.75 in

Japanese Lacquer Ryoshibako Document Box Meiji Period

Located in Atlanta, GA

A large Japanese lacquer box with elaborate Maki-e design from Meiji period, (mid-late 19th century). The generous size of the box was reserved for paper document and called Ryoshiba...

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Japonisme Lacquer

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Pair Chinese Export Famille Verte Porcelain Quail Boxes, Late Qing Dynasty

$5,600 / set

H 5.25 in W 6.75 in D 4.25 in

Pair Chinese Export Famille Verte Porcelain Quail Boxes, Late Qing Dynasty

Located in Austin, TX

An exquisite pair of Chinese Export famille verte biscuit porcelain "Nesting Quail" boxes with fitted hardwood stands, late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China. The delightful pair of b...

Category

Antique Early 1900s Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain, Hardwood

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Japanese Antique Meiji Satsuma Pottery Buddhist Monks Vase & Shimazu Crest Mark

$1,250

H 11.5 in W 4.5 in D 4.5 in

Japanese Antique Meiji Satsuma Pottery Buddhist Monks Vase & Shimazu Crest Mark

By Satsuma

Located in Studio City, CA

A beautiful Japanese Satsuma pottery studio vase featuring multiple kesa-clad enlightened Buddhist monks on each side of the vase. The piece is finely detailed with rich raised gilt ...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Ceramics

Materials

Earthenware, Pottery

Ethiopian Bronze Hanging Coptic Censer, c. 1850

$1,280

H 30.5 in Dm 5.25 in

Ethiopian Bronze Hanging Coptic Censer, c. 1850

Located in Chicago, IL

This sculptural bronze object is a 19th-century liturgical censer, or thurible, used for guided prayer and ritual ceremony within the Coptic Orthodox Church. Blessed by the Priest pr...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Ethiopian Religious Items

Materials

Bronze

French Style 1950s Plant Stand

$3,500

H 37.75 in W 17 in D 17 in

French Style 1950s Plant Stand

Located in Sharon, CT

A plant stand that holds four small plants in style. Light blue over white paint. The holes are 4" in diameter.

Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Steel

12th Century Indian Carved White Marble Figure of a Jain Tirthankara or Jina

$18,000

H 12.5 in W 5 in D 5 in

12th Century Indian Carved White Marble Figure of a Jain Tirthankara or Jina

Located in Austin, TX

A well carved Indian white marble Jain temple relief fragment featuring an image of a Jina, circa 12th century, Rajasthan or Gujarat, India. The Tirthankara (also called a Jina) is ...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Indian Antiquities

Materials

Marble

Zodiac Copper Wall Art

$942

H 1.19 in Dm 19.69 in

Zodiac Copper Wall Art

Located in Antwerp, BE

Zodiac copper wall art. Diameter:50 cm. Depth:3 cm.

Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Copper

French 1940s Jules Lelue Plaster Dove Sconces

$6,500

H 13 in W 10 in D 6.5 in

French 1940s Jules Lelue Plaster Dove Sconces

Located in Dallas, TX

Pair of 1940s French Dove sconces by Jules Leleu. Original plaster finish.

Category

Vintage 1940s French Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Plaster

Giltwood Baroque Ornament, Carved, Italy Circa 1650-1750

$519Sale Price|53% Off

H 25.2 in W 5.12 in D 5.12 in

Giltwood Baroque Ornament, Carved, Italy Circa 1650-1750

Located in Buisson, FR

Beautiful carved giltwood baroque ornament. Italy, 17/18th century. Weathered and small losses. Measurement includes the wooden base.

Category

Antique 18th Century Italian Baroque Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood

19th Century Louis XVI Style Settee

$2,400

H 41.33 in W 61.02 in D 24.4 in

19th Century Louis XVI Style Settee

Located in Belmont, MA

Elaborate Louis XVI style settee, finely carved pearwood. Straight back crowned with wreath, upholstered seat and back, ending on round tapered baluster legs. Originally the settee b...

Category

Antique 1860s French Louis XVI Settees

Materials

Pearwood

Mid-century Full size Stacked Rattan Bed Frame with Wicker Wrappings by Seven Se

$4,355Sale Price|35% Off

H 18 in W 54 in D 77 in

Mid-century Full size Stacked Rattan Bed Frame with Wicker Wrappings by Seven Se

By Seven Seas Rattan Co.

Located in Van Nuys, CA

This beautifully restored stacked rattan bed frame was built by Seven Seas Rattan Company in the late 1940s and features a stacked rattan base with a stacked rattan headboard and Foo...

Category

Vintage 1940s Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Rattan

18th century Louis XVI Dressing Table

$3,500Sale Price|32% Off

H 27.17 in W 27.96 in D 15.36 in

18th century Louis XVI Dressing Table

Located in Belmont, MA

Louis XVI dressing table, France 1780. For the beautiful marquetry, the maker combined two types of veneer: Walnut and kingwood. The dressing table has one exterior drawer, a built ...

Category

Antique 1780s French Louis XVI Vanities

Materials

Kingwood, Walnut

Large Empire Mirror in Cuban Mahogany with Columns and Carved Capitals, c. 1810

$3,490

H 59.25 in W 29.5 in D 4 in

Large Empire Mirror in Cuban Mahogany with Columns and Carved Capitals, c. 1810

Located in INTERLAKEN, NY

An exquisite Empire mirror in Cuban mahogany with carved anthemions as antefix decorating the crown molding and columns with carved acanthus capitals flanking the mirror and frieze, ...

Category

Antique 1810s Danish Empire Wall Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Mahogany

French Art Nouveau Ceramic Planter or Vase circa 1910

$1,500

H 14.56 in W 9.84 in D 9.84 in

French Art Nouveau Ceramic Planter or Vase circa 1910

Located in Miami, FL

Art Nouveau Ceramic Planter or Vase circa 1910 Spectacular jardinière or centerpiece with relief flowers and leaves on the two sides

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières

Materials

Ceramic

Tall Stately Empire Mirror in Cuban Mahogany with Columns, Denmark, c. 1820

$3,450

H 68 in W 31.75 in D 3 in

Tall Stately Empire Mirror in Cuban Mahogany with Columns, Denmark, c. 1820

Located in INTERLAKEN, NY

A very beautiful tall stately and elegant Empire mirror in fine Cuban mahogany with well-articulated carvings of anthemions as antefix decorating the crown molding. Turned columns wi...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Danish Empire Wall Mirrors

Materials

Mahogany

Rose Quartz Bubble Rock Crystal Cocktail Tables By Phoenix

$15,800 / set

H 17.5 in Dm 23.5 in

Rose Quartz Bubble Rock Crystal Cocktail Tables By Phoenix

Located in New York, NY

A pair of luxury bubble rose quartz rock crystal cocktail tables with polish brass stands. Created by Phoenix gallery NYC.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Coffee and Cocktail Tables

English Cast Iron Umbrella / Cane Stand. Circa 1840

$8,500

H 31.75 in W 39 in D 16 in

English Cast Iron Umbrella / Cane Stand. Circa 1840

Located in Charleston, SC

English cast iron umbrella / cane stand with three section top, scrolled floral side mounts, four removable pans, and terminating on decorative cast egg and dart base.

Category

Antique 19th Century British Umbrella Stands

Chest of drawers 'Flora' model 1050 designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn

Sold|~~$340,488~~

H 29.93 in W 51.97 in D 17.33 in

Chest of drawers 'Flora' model 1050 designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn

By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn

Located in Stockholm, SE

Designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn in the late 1930s, the Flora chest of drawers, model 1050, is one of the most poetic expressions of Scandinavian design. This vintage chest o...

Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Mahogany

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Japanese Incense Box For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal Japanese incense box for your home. A Japanese incense box — often made from metal, lacquer and wood — can elevate any home. Find 25 options for an antique or vintage Japanese incense box now, or shop our selection of 2 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. There are many kinds of the Japanese incense box you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. A Japanese incense box is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Art Nouveau and Modern styles are sought with frequency. Many designers have produced at least one well-made Japanese incense box over the years, but those crafted by Kyoto Pottery, Shugoro Hasuda and Zōhiko Studio are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Japanese Incense Box?

Prices for a Japanese incense box start at $125 and top out at $27,500 with the average selling for $1,864.

Questions About Japanese Incense 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.