Japanese Lacquerware (日本漆器) - Box - Lacquerware, Gold Powder - Incense Box (香箱) 金蒔絵
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Japanese lacquerware incense box with black urushi ground and gold maki-e depicting cranes, pine and plum blossoms, Showa period (ca. 1970s–1980s), includes an unused incense set, original leaflet and tomobako, dimensions about 35 × 17 × 6 cm, weight 750 g, in excellent condition.
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Description from the seller
Material: Urushi lacquer / Gold maki-e / Wood core / Incense (natural materials)
Origin: Japan
Period: Showa period (20th century)
Condition:
Excellent vintage condition. Minor surface wear consistent with age and careful storage.
No visible cracks, repairs, or structural damage observed.
The lacquer surface retains a deep gloss with well-preserved decoration.
The incense inside appears unused and remains in clean condition.Original leaflet included.
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This elegant Japanese lacquerware box features a refined maki-e decoration depicting cranes, pine, and plum blossoms against a deep black urushi ground.
These auspicious motifs—cranes symbolizing longevity, together with pine and plum representing resilience and renewal—form a traditional visual language associated with good fortune and harmony in Japanese culture.
The composition is executed with fine detail, from the delicate rendering of pine needles in gold to the vivid contrast of red blossoms and the graceful white cranes in motion. The balanced use of space and ornamentation reflects the refined aesthetics of late Showa lacquerware.
Inside, the box contains a complete set of Japanese incense sticks, neatly arranged and appearing unused. The set is accompanied by its original leaflet, which provides valuable historical context.
According to the leaflet, the incense follows a tradition associated with “Gyokusho” (玉初), a name inspired by the imagery of refined fragrance likened to a polished jewel. The text traces its origins to incense-making techniques introduced from China and emphasizes the pursuit of purity and elegance in scent.
The leaflet also includes a classical-style text attributed to the Confucian scholar Fujisawa Nangaku, adding a literary and intellectual dimension to the object. This combination of craftsmanship, cultural symbolism, and historical narrative enhances the overall significance of the piece.
Both a functional incense set and a decorative lacquer object, this item is well suited for collectors of Japanese art, as well as for those seeking a refined and culturally meaningful display piece.
───────
Included
• Lacquered incense box (urushi, maki-e decoration)
• Lid (matching original)
• Original storage box (tomobako)
• Original leaflet (incense description and historical notes)
• Set of incense sticks (appearing unused)
───────
Dimensions:
Length: approx. 35 cm
Width: approx. 17 cm
Height: approx. 6 cm
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Shipping
• Carefully packed and shipped with tracking.
• International shipping via Yamato Transport or Japan Post.
• Import duties, taxes, VAT and any other charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These costs are the buyer’s responsibility. Please check your country’s customs regulations before bidding.
Seller's Story
Thank you for visiting my page.
I am a Japanese seller specializing in Takaoka bronze works and
traditional Japanese metal crafts.
Many of the pieces I offer come from my grandfather’s cherished
collection. He spent decades collecting Takaoka bronze artworks
and carefully preserving each item with deep appreciation for
their craftsmanship and history.
I inspect and handle every piece with the same respect.
All items are securely packed with protective materials to ensure
safe international delivery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
I hope these pieces, once treasured in my family, will find a new
place in your collection and be appreciated for many years to come.
All items will be shipped from Japan with tracking.
Items are packed with bubble wrap and double protection.
I always ship within 2–3 business days.
Material: Urushi lacquer / Gold maki-e / Wood core / Incense (natural materials)
Origin: Japan
Period: Showa period (20th century)
Condition:
Excellent vintage condition. Minor surface wear consistent with age and careful storage.
No visible cracks, repairs, or structural damage observed.
The lacquer surface retains a deep gloss with well-preserved decoration.
The incense inside appears unused and remains in clean condition.Original leaflet included.
───────
This elegant Japanese lacquerware box features a refined maki-e decoration depicting cranes, pine, and plum blossoms against a deep black urushi ground.
These auspicious motifs—cranes symbolizing longevity, together with pine and plum representing resilience and renewal—form a traditional visual language associated with good fortune and harmony in Japanese culture.
The composition is executed with fine detail, from the delicate rendering of pine needles in gold to the vivid contrast of red blossoms and the graceful white cranes in motion. The balanced use of space and ornamentation reflects the refined aesthetics of late Showa lacquerware.
Inside, the box contains a complete set of Japanese incense sticks, neatly arranged and appearing unused. The set is accompanied by its original leaflet, which provides valuable historical context.
According to the leaflet, the incense follows a tradition associated with “Gyokusho” (玉初), a name inspired by the imagery of refined fragrance likened to a polished jewel. The text traces its origins to incense-making techniques introduced from China and emphasizes the pursuit of purity and elegance in scent.
The leaflet also includes a classical-style text attributed to the Confucian scholar Fujisawa Nangaku, adding a literary and intellectual dimension to the object. This combination of craftsmanship, cultural symbolism, and historical narrative enhances the overall significance of the piece.
Both a functional incense set and a decorative lacquer object, this item is well suited for collectors of Japanese art, as well as for those seeking a refined and culturally meaningful display piece.
───────
Included
• Lacquered incense box (urushi, maki-e decoration)
• Lid (matching original)
• Original storage box (tomobako)
• Original leaflet (incense description and historical notes)
• Set of incense sticks (appearing unused)
───────
Dimensions:
Length: approx. 35 cm
Width: approx. 17 cm
Height: approx. 6 cm
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
Shipping
• Carefully packed and shipped with tracking.
• International shipping via Yamato Transport or Japan Post.
• Import duties, taxes, VAT and any other charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These costs are the buyer’s responsibility. Please check your country’s customs regulations before bidding.
Seller's Story
Thank you for visiting my page.
I am a Japanese seller specializing in Takaoka bronze works and
traditional Japanese metal crafts.
Many of the pieces I offer come from my grandfather’s cherished
collection. He spent decades collecting Takaoka bronze artworks
and carefully preserving each item with deep appreciation for
their craftsmanship and history.
I inspect and handle every piece with the same respect.
All items are securely packed with protective materials to ensure
safe international delivery.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
I hope these pieces, once treasured in my family, will find a new
place in your collection and be appreciated for many years to come.
All items will be shipped from Japan with tracking.
Items are packed with bubble wrap and double protection.
I always ship within 2–3 business days.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Weight
750 g
Title additional information
Incense Box (香箱) 金蒔絵
Number of objects
1
Country of origin
Japan
Manufacturer/brand
Japanese Lacquerware (日本漆器)
Material
Lacquerware, Gold Powder
Style
Vintage
Colour
Black, Gold
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Height
35 cm
Width
17 cm
Depth
6 cm
Estimated period
1970-1980
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