Jūbako (tiered box) in lacquer and gold with seppen (snowflake) and ume (plum blossom) motifs

Wooden jūbako box with 4 tiers and 2 lids on which multiple layers of urushi lacquer have been applied and displaying a superb decoration of snowflakes (seppen, literally "snow petals", often used in Japanese literature and poetry to evoke the delicacy of snowflakes) and Plum blossoms (ume). This sumptuous decoration symbolizes the ephemeral beauty of winter and the promise of renewal. The snow, silent and pure, contrasts with the plum blossom, fragile but tenacious, first to bloom in the cold, symbol of resilience and elegance. A few daffodils made with silver powder complete this decoration.

This decoration, with gold powder, was made with the very complex technique of takamaki-e, relief decoration, and that of ukibori maki-e, bas-relief decoration. Some snowflakes were made with the technique of nashiji (gold dusting). The interior of each level of the jūbako and the lids is covered with deep red urushi lacquer and a togidashi-maki-e border ( Gold powder is applied and then polished to partially reveal the patterns and depth of the black lacquer underneath). Note, 2 lids allow you to stage a single 4-tier box or 2 boxes with different combinations of tiers.

This large jūbako is in good condition except for a few signs of the passing of time: small traces of wear and small chips, which are visible in the photos, but which in no way affect the quality and beauty of this ancient piece which has stood the test of time.

It comes with its wooden protective box (which is damaged, having faithfully fulfilled its role as protector). This is a unique example dating from the Shōwa era (1926-1989) made according to the rules of the art of deep black urushi lacquer and gold powder makie, a precious object very representative of exceptional Japanese know-how.

Jūbako (重箱) are stackable boxes used in Japan to serve festive meals, especially during the New Year, when they contain traditional dishes called osechi-ryōri. Made of lacquered wood and often decorated with maki-e with gold or silver patterns, they combine functionality and aesthetics, embodying the refinement of Japanese craftsmanship and the solemnity of family celebrations. Wonderfully decorative, they bring a very elegant Japanese touch to an interior.