Box - Wood - Heian Court Maki-e Scene
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A Japanese wooden fubako-style storage box finished in black urushi lacquer with gold maki-e decoration, featuring a Heian court scene on the lid and measuring 9.5 cm high, 25.7 cm wide and 33.3 cm deep.
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Description from the seller
Item Description
This is a Japanese lacquered storage box (fubako-style) finished in deep black urushi lacquer with fine gold maki-e decoration. The sliding lid is decorated with a classical Heian-period scene: a seated court noble in ceremonial robes rests beside a red-lacquered balustrade overlooking a flowing stream, while a blossoming plum tree and a small bird appear in the upper section against a gold-dusted ground. The reverse of the lid features a subtle cloud-shaped line motif rendered in gold outline against the black lacquer.
The interior of the box is lined in gold and black lacquer, offering a long, flat storage space suitable for scrolls, documents, or other flat objects. The exterior sides and base are finished in plain glossy black lacquer, with a raised foot base supporting the box.
The maki-e work combines multiple techniques, including gold sprinkling (nashiji-style ground), fine line drawing (tsukegaki), and small areas of colour accent in red and green, giving depth and life to the courtly scene.
Size
Height: 9.5 cm
Width: 25.7 cm
Depth: 33.3 cm
Weight
1073 g
Condition
The lacquer surface retains good gloss overall, with some light surface scratches and minor wear consistent with age, most visible along the lid edges and corners. No cracks, losses, or repairs were observed on visual inspection. No functional testing applicable, as this is a decorative storage box.
Additional Information
Material: wood core with black urushi lacquer and gold maki-e decoration
Origin: Japan
The scene on the lid appears to draw on classical Heian-court imagery, a popular theme in traditional Japanese lacquerware design.
NOITICE:
The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation.
It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally.
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping.
I appreciate your cooperation.
Seller's Story
We have been experienced as an antique dealer for more than a decade, we select and purchase high-quality products from all over Japan. I carefully select items with good taste, whether famous or not. I offer you an encounter with unknown Japanese goods.
Owner Profile
Name: Michito Nagahiro
Born in 1986 in Sapporo, Hokkaido. From an early age, I have been fascinated by the beautiful and practical designs of Japanese art, antiques, and consumer products, as well as the mindset and dedication of craftsmen and artists. I frequently visited museums and solo exhibitions as part of my daily life.
In 2012, under the guidance of a top mentor in the industry, I established myself as an antique dealer, handling a wide range of items, including Japanese antiques and artworks. Since 2017, I have specialized in selling Japanese antiques and fine art, primarily in Europe, achieving over 20,000 successful sales to date.
In 2019, I launched a completely free service to support individuals in Japan who experience loneliness. This initiative involves personally visiting people, engaging in conversations, sharing meals, and, if necessary, providing career advice. More than 1,000 people reach out to me annually for support.
Additionally, I am committed to promoting and supporting the sales of emerging artists whose work has not yet received public recognition. My philosophy goes beyond merely selling objects—I strive to convey the stories, history, and emotions embedded in each piece. By doing so, I aim to connect people with the lives of the artists and bring inspiration to those who encounter their work.
Item Description
This is a Japanese lacquered storage box (fubako-style) finished in deep black urushi lacquer with fine gold maki-e decoration. The sliding lid is decorated with a classical Heian-period scene: a seated court noble in ceremonial robes rests beside a red-lacquered balustrade overlooking a flowing stream, while a blossoming plum tree and a small bird appear in the upper section against a gold-dusted ground. The reverse of the lid features a subtle cloud-shaped line motif rendered in gold outline against the black lacquer.
The interior of the box is lined in gold and black lacquer, offering a long, flat storage space suitable for scrolls, documents, or other flat objects. The exterior sides and base are finished in plain glossy black lacquer, with a raised foot base supporting the box.
The maki-e work combines multiple techniques, including gold sprinkling (nashiji-style ground), fine line drawing (tsukegaki), and small areas of colour accent in red and green, giving depth and life to the courtly scene.
Size
Height: 9.5 cm
Width: 25.7 cm
Depth: 33.3 cm
Weight
1073 g
Condition
The lacquer surface retains good gloss overall, with some light surface scratches and minor wear consistent with age, most visible along the lid edges and corners. No cracks, losses, or repairs were observed on visual inspection. No functional testing applicable, as this is a decorative storage box.
Additional Information
Material: wood core with black urushi lacquer and gold maki-e decoration
Origin: Japan
The scene on the lid appears to draw on classical Heian-court imagery, a popular theme in traditional Japanese lacquerware design.
NOITICE:
The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation.
It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally.
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping.
I appreciate your cooperation.
Seller's Story
We have been experienced as an antique dealer for more than a decade, we select and purchase high-quality products from all over Japan. I carefully select items with good taste, whether famous or not. I offer you an encounter with unknown Japanese goods.
Owner Profile
Name: Michito Nagahiro
Born in 1986 in Sapporo, Hokkaido. From an early age, I have been fascinated by the beautiful and practical designs of Japanese art, antiques, and consumer products, as well as the mindset and dedication of craftsmen and artists. I frequently visited museums and solo exhibitions as part of my daily life.
In 2012, under the guidance of a top mentor in the industry, I established myself as an antique dealer, handling a wide range of items, including Japanese antiques and artworks. Since 2017, I have specialized in selling Japanese antiques and fine art, primarily in Europe, achieving over 20,000 successful sales to date.
In 2019, I launched a completely free service to support individuals in Japan who experience loneliness. This initiative involves personally visiting people, engaging in conversations, sharing meals, and, if necessary, providing career advice. More than 1,000 people reach out to me annually for support.
Additionally, I am committed to promoting and supporting the sales of emerging artists whose work has not yet received public recognition. My philosophy goes beyond merely selling objects—I strive to convey the stories, history, and emotions embedded in each piece. By doing so, I aim to connect people with the lives of the artists and bring inspiration to those who encounter their work.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Title additional information
Heian Court Maki-e Scene
Number of objects
1
Country of origin
Japan
Material
Wood
Style
Antique inspired
Colour
Multicolour
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of ageing
Height
9.5 cm
Width
25.7 cm
Depth
33.3 cm
Estimated period
1900-2000
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