Japanese Decorative Boxes

Antique Japanese Box scripture 1860s-1920s

Lidded lacquer trinket box by Lapisware, circa 1980s. The box measures 8.5"W x 4"D x 2"H and is in very good vintage condition. Cool and well constructed piece! #4988  

At the first glance, this looks like an art piece done by a modern abstract artist - with the layers of random, thicker paint on it. But the truth is, this small box chest of drawers...

Presenting an astonishing Japanese Antique Carved Bone Pillbox Inro, museum quality with the amazing carving skill depicting rats on the lid and body and the relief weaved basket pat...

A 19th-century Japanese wooden box with an elegant geometric shape, crafted using traditional Japanese decorative arts techniques. The black lacquered surface is adorned with delicate painted and inlaid motifs, blending stylized floral elements, graphic symbols, and decorative characters. The composition is structured by a play of diagonal lines and ornamental bands, lending the piece a remarkable visual restraint while revealing refined and meticulous craftsmanship. The contrasts between the deep black, the golden tones, and the light accents attest to masterful craftsmanship. The antique patina, with subtle signs of age, enhances the authenticity and charm of this piece. Serving as both a storage object and a decorative element, this box embodies the aesthetics of 19th-century Japan, where functionality and symbolism harmoniously converge. It will find its place naturally in a wabi-sabi, minimalist, or eclectic interior, or within a collection of antique Asian objects. Main features: Antique wooden box Japan, 19th century Black lacquered wood Painted and inlaid decoration Stylized symbolic and floral motifs Original patina Storage and collectible item Keywords: antique Japanese box...

Japanese Kobako Yosegi Zaiku marquetry roll-top box A Japanese Kobako box, small and very light box with a roll-top door. A box, designed with beautiful Yosegi Zaiku inlay work (marquetry). Made in the Hakone region Hakone-Yosegi-Zaiku is a type of traditional Japanese inlay...

A pair of Japanese lacquered lidded Hokai boxes with chased brass hardware and original ropes. Hokai boxes are traditionally used in Japan as the containers ...

A large Japanese lacquer box with elaborate Maki-e design from Meiji period, (mid-late 19th century). The generous size of the box was reser...

A Japanese four-case lacquer inro by a member of Kajikawa family circa 19th century (late Edo to early Meiji period). It depicts a nocturnal scenery of a meandering stream surrounded by bush clovers, where a full moon is reflected on the water. It was masterfully decorated in gold and silver maki-e using a combination of techniques including takamakie, togidashi and kirigane as well as aogai (abalone shell) inlays. The stream was set between the slightly elevated banks, adding to this piece a already strong three-dimensional composition. The interior was decorated in gold nashiji. It was signed on the bottom "Kajikawa Zou" (made by Kajikawa and a pot seal centered with "Ei" in Kanji. In one of the compartment, there is a katakana mark, appears to be a name, possibly the owner. Kajikawa clan was one of the most famous lacquer artisanal family established in the 17th century. Many well known members over the generations produced lacquer art in a wide range of formats, but two third were signed only with the family name such as this one. It is therefore not possible to pinpoint the exact author of this piece. Provenance: This inro was purchased as lot 349 in Christie's New York sale Japanese...

This rare and highly decorative 1930s Art Deco Takita porcelain lidded box is an exceptional example of Japanese Art Deco ceramic design, a category that remains far more elusive than its European and American counterparts. Versatile in form, the piece functions beautifully as a biscuit jar, tea caddy, ice bucket, or sculptural decorative container, making it both practical and collectable. The box is cylindrical and lantern-shaped, modeled after an accordion-pleated Asian paper lantern, giving it strong architectural presence and rhythmic geometry. The porcelain body is painted in a vibrant zig-zag pattern rendered in pastel pink, blue, and yellow against a crisp white ground. The lantern creases are dramatically emphasized with black horizontal accent lines, heightening contrast and reinforcing the bold, modernist Art Deco aesthetic. The removable lid features an asymmetrically placed gilt porcelain knob, a classic Art Deco touch that introduces tension and movement to the design. A woven rattan handle, secured by gilt porcelain mounts on either side, moves freely and adds a sophisticated material contrast, blending natural texture with gleaming glazed porcelain. The interior is clean and well preserved, with no chips or cracks to the interior, lid lip, or body rim. There is one chip to the base, measuring approximately 3/8 inch wide, which does not affect the visual presentation or functionality. The base is stamped “T/T Hand Paint Made in Japan.” While collectors are well acquainted with French Art Deco porcelain and ceramics by celebrated makers such as Robj, Lalique, Sèvres, and Limoges, as well as Czechoslovakian Art Deco manufacturers like Ditmar Urbach, Amphora, and Royal Dux, Japanese Art Deco porcelain...

A Lacquered Japanese writing box with metal detailing, mid 20th century. The box has signs of patina on the metal, a small crack in one corner and...

An antique Japanese enameled wooden box. Late Meiji period, before 1912. The box has a rectangular shape with a black border. The lid features a cloisonne enamel design with traditio...

An antique Japanese late Meiji era covered Totai enamel on porcelain trinket or jewelry box. Circa: late 19th century to early 20th century. The ware is enameled with a polychrome floral medallion with butterflies and berries, on the top of the cover, surrounded by floral, and foliage patterns made in the Cloisonne technique. A hand painted image of a flower, under the cover. Dated, 01.12.08, and probably numbered, 6, on the bottom. Totai Shippo...

Japanese Art Deco Style Trinket Box or Hand-Carved Rosewood Jewelry Box A unique hand-crafted, Japanese wooden box designed in the Art Deco style and of the period. This rare antiqu...

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...

Two woven bamboo strip boxes, including one with leather details and geometric decorations, Dimensions: 1. 8.75" W x 4" H x 4" D 2. 5.75" W x 2.75" H x 2" D.  

19th century Japanese lacquer box of fish shape.  

Japanese vintage small box tansu chest of drawers, Kohikidashi, fully made of Kiri (Paulownia). Refinished by seller with traditional black Urushi ...

A fine and unusual Japanese black lacquer and mother of pearl inlaid box, Momoyama Period, 16th century, Japan. The large box and cover featu...

A Japanese black lacquer box with mother of pearl inlays circa early 20th century, end of Meiji period. It was likely to be used to store inkstone or other scholarly items. The piece displays several interesting characteristics that appear puzzling initially. First, the form is not typical Japanese, but more Chinese and Korean, with its scalloped base. Second, the decoration of MOP inlays also suggests a Korean and Chinese affiliation, especially with the linear borders and the scrolling cloud patters on the sides of the box. These two observations suggest that the box may be from Ryukyu Island instead of Japanese mainland. Third, strikingly in the center of the cover, a bold quarterly floral pattern outlined with MOP was filled with a striking mottled red lacquer using tsugaru nuri...

This is the Japanese lunch boxes. Traditionally, Osechi (a special kind of food for the new year) is served with this kind of lunch boxes called 'JY...

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 ...

This is an antique Japanese bento box from Edo era which was used for cherry blossom viewing party. It is made with bamboo and painted with ...

Vintage Japanese porcelain vintage trinket boxes with lid, set of 3. Vintage Asian porcelain Japanese trinket boxes with Geishas figures wearing traditional kimonos. Japanese porcelain decorative box, each box with a different design, perfect for storing small items or use them as decorative boxes on a table or shelf. Asian Trinket Box...

A serene 1930s Art Deco powder box featuring a sculpted woman with her head gently tilted upward and eyes closed, embodying the calm, modern femininity celebrated in the era’s design...

Measures : 18x8 cm H:8cm Materials : Gold Plate,Silver Plate,Steel,Cast,Hand-Crafted Silver-plated peanut-shaped box by FB Rogers, believed to be from the 1960s. Made of silver-plat...

Nice little black lacquer box from Japan. It is made of black lacquered wood and decorated with flowers and foliage. The inside is covered with red velvet. It is ideal for storing je...

Mid-19th century Japanese Meiji period bronze stamp box. Applied castings of a hanging flower basket with bird, recumbent stag and flowers. Measures: 1 1/...

Very nice box also used as a pillow in the Japanese culture, early 20th century. It is black lacquered and decorated with hand painted golden floral patterns. The copper latch is nic...

Japanese Modern silver box, ca 1920. Rectangular with curved corners; corner bracket supports. Cover top has centrally applied gilt chrysanthemum flowerhead and engraved corner cloud...

Intricately carved inro in the form of a woven basket. Quality craftsmanship. Opens into two pieces, held together with a rust-red silk string. Made of nat...

Red/Black-lacquered Fan-shape Five-case Lunch Box, China, 19th century, with three bamboo splint handles converging to form a broad strap handle over the t...

KYOTO STYLE NAGA HIBACHI (FIREBOX BRAZIER GRILL), Japanese, Meiji Period, The rectangular hibachi is of Keyaki (Zelkova) wood construction with the original copper liner, and a colum...

A wonderful artistic Art Deco Porcelain box with corresponding lid - made inJapan, the piece is a treasure as a decorative piece. The box has a slight octagonal design, making it even more special. A compliment to any shelf, cocktail table or side table. The piece is large enough to hold desk supplies...

Japan, 19th/20th century, one red-lacquered with an inner compartment; one black-lacquered with an inner compartment.

A very beautiful Japanese papier-mâché round box with a colorful geometric design and black lacquer finish, Art Deco period, circa early-20th century, Japan. Marked "Made in Japan" o...

A lacquered wood box with lid from Japan circa 19th century Meiji Period. The finely decorated box was used to store paper slips and small documents on the desk. It is overall finished with black lacquer (kuro) with sparse Mura-Nashiji effect outside and on the top surface of the lid, there are three Komainu, (sometimes known as Shishi or Japanese lions) frolicking and forming a circle in lively motion. Komainu are auspicious animals in Japanese cultures in both Shinto and Buddhism tradition. Originally from China, these animals symbolizes guardians to ward off evil spirits. Hiramaki-e was used in combination with carving and combing to render the lions with various surface textures. A gilt border with an slight angle was given to the lid and even the thin band is decorated with miniature floral scrolls. The interior of the box was finished in a dense nashiji. Underneath the lid, a cluster of peonies open lavishly by two gentle mounts. Takamaki-e (high relief) in both gold and silver were...

Japanese late Meiji period A Large Organizer Red Lacquered Box, decorated with irises and butterflies in gold and black.

Traditional Japanese Marquetry inlaid box known as Hakone Yosegi Zaiku. Hakone is the region where this box was crafted. It is designed with intricate geometric patterns made with na...

A brilliant Kazaribako "Ornamented Box" made of glass by Japanese artist Kyohei Fujita (1921-2004) circa 1990s. The hand-blown green glass box featur...

Massive black oversized phone. Marked "Poynter Products Inc. Cincinnati, Ohio." Made in Japan. Date stamped 1980. Made of plastic. Top and bottom pieces twist off and can be used as ...

The case decorated overall in crackle-glaze white lacquer and fitted with a patinated metal carrying handle over three tiers of small drawers. The first two tiers are comprised of a ...

A large Meiji period brass and cloisonné enamel casket Japanese, Late 19th Century Height 20cm, width 35.5cm, depth 22cm This beautiful piece is a Japanese casket...

This is a rare enamel red box signed s. Inaba Kyoto . The picture on top is of three birds flying Enamel is all intact and in great condition Beautiful box to add to any collection!

Sagejubako is a portable picnic set that became popular in the early Edo period when an additional meal was added between breakfast and dinner. It normally consists of a carry case w...

Kiyomi Iwata is a Japanese-American Textile Artist known for her Sculptural use of materials examples of her work can be found in a number of Museums including the Smithsonian.

A vintage Japanese Tsuzuri bako, writing box. with an unusual, deeply carved relief of Japanese sarcandra glabra, a woody herbal sub-shrub native to Asia with deep green glossy leave...

PRESENTING A LOVELY Vintage Japanese Temple Style Box. Made of rosewood, this box has a cover featuring ‘Buddhist Swastikas’ on the front. The cover lifts off to reveal a tabernacle with 2 carved dragons on wither side. Probably made in the first quarter of the 20th Century, circa 1920-30. Rectangular shaped for the storage of deities statues...

Mid-20th century Yamanaka lacquerware sweets box for tea ceremony, Japanese. Formed as a deep black apple with gold & colored enamel decoration. Post WWII. Provenance: Sherman E. Lee...

This charming old Japanese round box is crafted from lightweight papier-mâché and finished in a deep, glossy black lacquer that highlights its graceful form. The surface features han...

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...

19th Century Japanese Meiji Period Parquetry Table Top Kodansu Cabinet With An Arrangement of Seven Drawers & Metal Handles & Finishings

Edo-Period Lacquerware Chest 19th-century This exquisite chest, inspired by Hasami-Bako travel trunks, is a striking example of Japanese lacquerware. The hiramaki-e technique—applie...

A Japanese ink stone box (known as Suzuribako) with exquisite maki-e decoration from Edo period (circa mid-18th century). The box features a rectang...

Mid-20th century Yamanaka lacquerware sweets box for tea ceremony, Japanese. Formed as a deep red apple with gold & colored enamel decoration. Post WWII. Provenance: Sherman E. Lee, ...

Antique 20th Century Japanese solid silver card case, featuring high relief Iris flowerson a textured background. The hinged lid opens to reveal a compartment originally for visiting...

Exquisite contemporary Japanese decorative porcelain vase, an exclusive signature masterpiece in blue and red by highly acclaimed master porcelain artist of the Imari-Arita region of...

English Victorian Classical sterling silver cann, 1864. Baluster bowl with leaf-capped double-scroll handle and raised and beaded foot. Four scroll frames with leaf and bead surround...

Fabulous and small japanese earthenware Satsuma Matchbox holder of great shape and scene. The idea is to put the matchbox in it and then inside bit pushes open the matchbox and you ...

A rich and elegant Japanese export red ginbari cloisonne trinket box, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan. The attractive Japanese cloisonne box features a striking textured red ginbari...