Japanese tanzaku box in urushi lacquer – decorated with grape clusters in maki-e (gold powder)

This elegant rectangular urushi lacquer box is a tanzakubako model, traditionally used to store tanzaku—thin strips of paper on which poems are written. Its elongated format (approximately 24 cm x 10 cm) also lends itself to other refined uses, such as storing small writing utensils or personal items.

The lid is adorned with a luminous motif of grape clusters and finely gilded foliage, created using maki-e, a refined technique of sprinkling gold powder onto wet lacquer. The fineness of the line, the subtle variation in texture, and the brilliance of the pattern are testament to delicate craftsmanship, designed to capture the light with elegance. The interior of the box is also lacquered, revealing a neat and consistent finish.

A vintage object, this piece shows some signs of age: fine scratches, a discreet crack and slight areas of wear on certain parts of the lacquer. These traces do not alter the charm of the whole, which retains all its original beauty. On the contrary, they highlight the patina of an old object, carrying history and gestures, and make it a rare opportunity for anyone wishing to acquire a Japanese lacquer box decorated with gold powder at a reasonable price considering the quality of the decoration.