Box - Document Box with Tsuikin Iris Motif (Miyazaki Lacquerware 宮崎漆器) - No Reserve Price

Opens Friday
Starting bid
€ 1

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Marion Oliviero
Expert
Selected by Marion Oliviero

Holds a master's in Chinese archaeology with extensive expertise in Japanese art.

Estimate  € 200 - € 250
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Description from the seller

【Important notes】

・International buyers are responsible for any import duties, taxes, and charges not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please note that VAT paid to Catawiki is separate from and does not cover import duties or customs charges in your country. You may still be required to pay additional fees upon delivery, as determined by your local customs authorities.
・Shipping Details: Most items are shipped via Japan Post EMS (airmail). If you are in a hurry, we can arrange shipping via DHL or FedEx upon request for an additional fee.
・Damage and Issues: If you receive a damaged item, please contact us immediately. The damage must be reported to your local post office within 7 days of delivery, and promptly to us and Catawiki support.

【Product details】

This Showa period Japanese document box features a vivid iris motif rendered in the Tsuikin technique on a rich vermilion lacquer ground. The raised iris design shows strong colour and depth, giving the surface a lively, sculptural presence. The interior is finished in glossy black lacquer and bears the “Miyazaki Lacquerware” mark. A removable inner board is included to hold papers neatly in place.

Miyazaki lacquerware developed in Miyazaki City after the Pacific War, when many lacquer craftsmen relocated from Okinawa to escape wartime destruction. Taking advantage of Miyazaki’s warm, humid climate—ideal for lacquer curing—they continued their work locally, resulting in pieces that strongly reflect Ryukyu lacquer traditions in both technique and design. This background is explained in detail in the original leaflet included with the box.

The iris decoration on the lid is created using the Tsuikin technique, in which coloured lacquer is kneaded, rolled thin, cut, and applied to the surface to form the design. This method produces a slightly raised pattern with a distinctive three-dimensional quality, vibrant colour, and excellent durability.

The box is made from natural wood and finished with genuine lacquer, as confirmed by the official quality label. The original wooden storage box and informational leaflet are included.

Very good used condition with minimal wear. Please refer to the photos for details.

Dimensions: approx. H 5 cm W 21.2 cm D 27.5 cm

・Please make sure to review all the provided information and images before placing your bid.
・We make every effort to accurately represent the product's colors and textures in our photos. However, due to differences in monitors and device displays, as well as photographic conditions, slight color variations between the photos and the actual product may occur. We ask for your understanding in advance.

Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!

Seller's Story

Welcome to Yorozuya Arinsu!                                                             We are an antique shop based on the outskirts of Tokyo, originally focusing on the Japanese market but proudly expanding to serve international customers. In August 2023, we became a pro seller on Catawiki, and since then, we’ve enjoyed sharing our passion for Japanese art and antiques with collectors worldwide.                                           Our collection includes a diverse range of items, from genuine antiques to contemporary art pieces. We take pride in offering unique, high-quality objects that reflect Japan’s rich cultural heritage as well as modern creativity. If there’s something specific you’re looking for, feel free to reach out to us on Instagram: 【yorozuya_arinsu】                                                          Thank you for visiting our shop, and we look forward to helping you find your next special piece!                                   

【Important notes】

・International buyers are responsible for any import duties, taxes, and charges not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please note that VAT paid to Catawiki is separate from and does not cover import duties or customs charges in your country. You may still be required to pay additional fees upon delivery, as determined by your local customs authorities.
・Shipping Details: Most items are shipped via Japan Post EMS (airmail). If you are in a hurry, we can arrange shipping via DHL or FedEx upon request for an additional fee.
・Damage and Issues: If you receive a damaged item, please contact us immediately. The damage must be reported to your local post office within 7 days of delivery, and promptly to us and Catawiki support.

【Product details】

This Showa period Japanese document box features a vivid iris motif rendered in the Tsuikin technique on a rich vermilion lacquer ground. The raised iris design shows strong colour and depth, giving the surface a lively, sculptural presence. The interior is finished in glossy black lacquer and bears the “Miyazaki Lacquerware” mark. A removable inner board is included to hold papers neatly in place.

Miyazaki lacquerware developed in Miyazaki City after the Pacific War, when many lacquer craftsmen relocated from Okinawa to escape wartime destruction. Taking advantage of Miyazaki’s warm, humid climate—ideal for lacquer curing—they continued their work locally, resulting in pieces that strongly reflect Ryukyu lacquer traditions in both technique and design. This background is explained in detail in the original leaflet included with the box.

The iris decoration on the lid is created using the Tsuikin technique, in which coloured lacquer is kneaded, rolled thin, cut, and applied to the surface to form the design. This method produces a slightly raised pattern with a distinctive three-dimensional quality, vibrant colour, and excellent durability.

The box is made from natural wood and finished with genuine lacquer, as confirmed by the official quality label. The original wooden storage box and informational leaflet are included.

Very good used condition with minimal wear. Please refer to the photos for details.

Dimensions: approx. H 5 cm W 21.2 cm D 27.5 cm

・Please make sure to review all the provided information and images before placing your bid.
・We make every effort to accurately represent the product's colors and textures in our photos. However, due to differences in monitors and device displays, as well as photographic conditions, slight color variations between the photos and the actual product may occur. We ask for your understanding in advance.

Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!

Seller's Story

Welcome to Yorozuya Arinsu!                                                             We are an antique shop based on the outskirts of Tokyo, originally focusing on the Japanese market but proudly expanding to serve international customers. In August 2023, we became a pro seller on Catawiki, and since then, we’ve enjoyed sharing our passion for Japanese art and antiques with collectors worldwide.                                           Our collection includes a diverse range of items, from genuine antiques to contemporary art pieces. We take pride in offering unique, high-quality objects that reflect Japan’s rich cultural heritage as well as modern creativity. If there’s something specific you’re looking for, feel free to reach out to us on Instagram: 【yorozuya_arinsu】                                                          Thank you for visiting our shop, and we look forward to helping you find your next special piece!                                   

Details

Era
1900-2000
Title additional information
No Reserve Price
Country of Origin
Japan
Material
Document Box with Tsuikin Iris Motif (Miyazaki Lacquerware 宮崎漆器)
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of ageing
Height
5 cm
Width
21.2 cm
Depth
27.5 cm
Estimated Period
Showa period
JapanVerified
4534
Objects sold
99.82%
protop

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