Traditional Lacquer Master (Signed with Red Seal) - Kasten - Holz (Kuwa / japanisches Maulbeerholz), Lack, Blattgold

Oversized Japanese Kuwa Wood Fumibako / Bunko – Zwei-Etagen-Dokumentenbox mit goldenem Maki-e Falken und Kiefer, mit originalem Tomobako

Overview

This is a magnificent oversized Japanese Fumibako (文箱 / Bunko), a traditional document and letter box made of Kuwa (mulberry) wood and decorated with Japanese gold Maki-e.

The box is exceptionally large for a Fumibako, measuring approximately 41 cm in length, and has a substantial weight of approximately 2.5 kg.

The combination of its large size, Kuwa wood construction, two-tier structure, detailed decoration, and original wooden storage box makes this a particularly impressive example of traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

Material: Kuwa Wood

The main box is made of Kuwa (mulberry) wood, a highly valued Japanese hardwood known for its dense grain, hardness, durability, and beautiful natural colour and figuring.

Kuwa has traditionally been used for high-quality Japanese furniture and crafts. Its use in a large-format Fumibako such as this adds considerably to the character and presence of the piece.

The natural character and grain of the wood can be seen particularly around the edges and structural areas of the box.

Design & Decoration

The exterior lid features a powerful depiction of a Hawk (Taka) perched on a rocky landscape, decorated with gold Maki-e.

The rocky area contains numerous small square and rectangular decorative particles, creating a distinctive textured effect.

The inside of the lid features a traditional Japanese composition of Pine Tree (Matsu) and Flowing Water (Ryusui) in gold Maki-e. The fine gold decoration of the pine needles creates a delicate contrast against the dark lacquer surface.

The outer edges of the box and the inner sections are decorated with delicate Karakusa scrolling patterns in gold.

Two-Tier Structure

The Fumibako has a two-tier construction, with a removable deep inner tray.

The interior surfaces are finished in glossy black lacquer, retaining a beautiful reflective appearance.

Original Wooden Storage Box – Tomobako

The Fumibako comes with its original wooden storage box (Tomobako).

The lid of the wooden box bears handwritten inscriptions which appear to read:

「桑製」 – Made of Kuwa (mulberry) wood
「鷹金卷繪」 – Hawk in gold Maki-e

A red seal/stamp is also present on the wooden storage box.

The inscriptions and seal are shown in the photographs.

Condition

This is an antique item with visible signs of age and use.

There are drying/shrinkage cracks around some of the corner joints of the Kuwa wooden frame.

The underside of the box shows numerous fine scratches, rubbing marks, and minor lacquer loss resulting from age and previous use.

There are also minor lacquer chips and small historical repairs/touch-ups along some edges of the main lid and removable inner tray.

The gold Maki-e decoration remains attractive, and the glossy black lacquer surfaces retain a good reflective sheen.

Please carefully examine all photographs, including the close-up images, before bidding. The item is sold as-is, with the condition described above.

Dimensions & Weight

* Main box: approx. 41.0 × 32.0 × 14.5 cm
* Weight of Fumibako: approx. 2,500 g
* Total weight including Tomobako: approx. 3,600 g

Shipping

The item will be carefully packed using secure protective materials to ensure safe international transportation.

We take great care with packaging and shipping so that the item arrives safely.

Import duties and taxes imposed by the destination country are the responsibility of the buyer, in accordance with applicable international regulations.