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 Letter Box

Butterfly Boxes

Japanese Labels

Japanese Lacquered Art

Brass 19th Century Inkwells

1800s Japanese Letter Box with Inkwell and Handle

$1,250

H 10.5 in W 9.5 in D 8 in

1800s Japanese Letter Box with Inkwell and Handle

Located in Tarrytown, NY

This 1800s Japanese Letter Box with Inkwell and Handle would work well in a traditional or modern

Category

Antique 19th Century Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Recent Sales

Japanese Lacquer Letter Box with Flowers and Butterfly

Sold

H 9.5 in W 12.5 in D 5.5 in

Japanese Lacquer Letter Box with Flowers and Butterfly

Located in Hudson, NY

storage box.

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Lacquer

Materials

Lacquer

Japanese Letter or Document Box, 1950s

Sold

H 2.5 in W 9.75 in D 10.5 in

Japanese Letter or Document Box, 1950s

By George Nakashima

Located in San Diego, CA

Mid-century document box from Japan. Beautiful butterfly joinery. The lid can also be used as a

Category

Vintage 1950s Japanese Mid-Century Modern More Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood

Japanese Lacquer Letter Box, Korin Style Subject

Sold

H 8.75 in W 12.88 in D 6.63 in

Japanese Lacquer Letter Box, Korin Style Subject

Located in Hudson, NY

Gold and shell inlay marsh irises with pewter walkway wrapping around box, a Korin style subject

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Lacquer

Materials

Lacquer

Japanese Lacquer Box

Sold

H 3.5 in W 12 in D 10 in

Japanese Lacquer Box

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Japanese Lacquer Letter Box. Beautiful box with gilt interior .

Category

Vintage 1950s Boxes

Materials

Lacquer, Wood

19th Century Japanese Lacquer Fubako or Letter Box, Mon Family Horita

Sold

H 3.15 in W 5.32 in D 12.21 in

19th Century Japanese Lacquer Fubako or Letter Box, Mon Family Horita

Located in Paris, FR

Exceptional letter box in black lacquer with a gold lacquer foliage decor with tin and copper

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Lacquer

Brown and Red Lacquer Letter Box

Sold

H 3 in W 4 in D 11.5 in

Brown and Red Lacquer Letter Box

Located in New York, NY

A brown and red lacquer box with design of hawk, pine tree and river.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Antiquities

Materials

Wood

Asian Art and Furniture Under $1,000

Antique and Vintage Asian Art and Furniture

19th Century Asian Art and Furniture

Wood Asian Art and Furniture

Asian Asian Art and Furniture

Asian Art and Furniture on Sale

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Japanese Letter Box For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact japanese letter box you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. In our selection of items, you can find contemporary examples as well as a modern version. Making the right choice when shopping for a japanese letter box may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 18th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century. Adding a japanese letter box to a room that is mostly decorated in warm neutral tones can yield a welcome change — find a piece on 1stDibs that incorporates elements of beige, gray, brown, green and more. There have been many interesting japanese letter box examples over the years, but those made by Stefanie Schneider, (after) Henri Matisse, Henri Matisse, Yayoi Kusama and Alfred Daguet are often thought to be among the most thought-provoking. Artworks like these of any era or style can make for thoughtful decor in any space, but a selection from our variety of those made in polaroid, c print and paper can add an especially memorable touch.

How Much is a Japanese Letter Box?

The average selling price for a japanese letter box we offer is $800, while they’re typically $50 on the low end and $75,000 for the highest priced.

Questions About Japanese Letter 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.