Vintage Letter box - 1900-2000 - Chrysanthemum Maki-e
Starting bid
€ 1
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Description from the seller
Item Description
This is a fine lacquerware letter box (fumibako) crafted in the Aizu-nuri tradition, one of Japan's most celebrated lacquer arts, originating from the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture. The box features a deep, glossy crimson-red lacquer exterior on both the lid and base, with a striking maki-e design of chrysanthemum blossoms rendered in gold and silver tones across the lid. The interior of both lid and base is finished in solid black lacquer, providing an elegant contrast to the red exterior.
The box has a rounded, softly contoured silhouette typical of quality Aizu-nuri work, with a gently stepped edge where the lid meets the base. It is generously sized to hold A4 documents, letters, or valuables such as bankbooks and seals, and equally suits use as a decorative interior accent piece.
Size
Height: 9 cm
Width: 23 cm
Depth: 30 cm
Weight
1072 g
Condition
The piece is in beautiful condition overall, with the lacquer surface retaining a strong glossy sheen. Close inspection under raking light reveals light fine surface scratches and a few small handling marks consistent with age and gentle prior use, but there are no significant chips, cracks, or lacquer losses. Photographs form part of the condition description.
Additional Information
Craft: Aizu-nuri (Aizu lacquerware), a traditional craft from Fukushima Prefecture, Japan
Item type: Letter box / document box (fumibako)
Decoration: Maki-e chrysanthemum motif in gold and silver on a red lacquer ground
Materials: Lacquered wood body with maki-e decoration
The item will be carefully packaged and shipped by Japan Post or DHL, depending on the situation.
Due to the changes to the EU tax-free (VAT) system, Japan Post has become unable to ship certain goods valued at €150 or less to an increasing number of European countries. Depending on the destination and circumstances, the shipping method may therefore be changed from Japan Post to DHL.
Delivery normally takes approximately 3 weeks, or up to 3 months if the item is shipped by sea.
Please note that import duties, taxes, customs fees, and other charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility.
For customs clearance, your local customs office or delivery company may contact you by phone or email. To avoid any delays or the return of the parcel, please ensure that you can respond promptly to any such requests. If the parcel is returned due to an inability to contact you or complete customs clearance, additional shipping charges, which may be more than twice the original shipping cost, will apply for reshipment.
Thank you for your kind understanding and cooperation. We will do our utmost to ensure that your item arrives safely and without any issues.
Seller's Story
A Japanese living in Japan, I appreciate traditional and modern art.
I specialize in selecting artworks that reflect quiet strength, refined beauty, and timeless craftsmanship of Japanese culture. My collection focuses on pieces that carry a story—whether traditional ukiyo‑e prints, contemporary works inspired by wabi‑sabi aesthetics, or handcrafted items created by regional artisans.
With years of experience working closely with artists, studios, and collectors across Japan, I take pride in offering works that are both visually compelling and culturally meaningful. Every item is carefully curated for authenticity, condition, and artistic value, ensuring that bidders can participate with confidence.
My goal is to connect international collectors with the richness of Japanese artistry—pieces that bring harmony, character, and a touch of Japan’s spirit into your home.
I look forward to sharing these works with you and hope they inspire the same appreciation and joy they bring to me :)
Translated by Google TranslateItem Description
This is a fine lacquerware letter box (fumibako) crafted in the Aizu-nuri tradition, one of Japan's most celebrated lacquer arts, originating from the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture. The box features a deep, glossy crimson-red lacquer exterior on both the lid and base, with a striking maki-e design of chrysanthemum blossoms rendered in gold and silver tones across the lid. The interior of both lid and base is finished in solid black lacquer, providing an elegant contrast to the red exterior.
The box has a rounded, softly contoured silhouette typical of quality Aizu-nuri work, with a gently stepped edge where the lid meets the base. It is generously sized to hold A4 documents, letters, or valuables such as bankbooks and seals, and equally suits use as a decorative interior accent piece.
Size
Height: 9 cm
Width: 23 cm
Depth: 30 cm
Weight
1072 g
Condition
The piece is in beautiful condition overall, with the lacquer surface retaining a strong glossy sheen. Close inspection under raking light reveals light fine surface scratches and a few small handling marks consistent with age and gentle prior use, but there are no significant chips, cracks, or lacquer losses. Photographs form part of the condition description.
Additional Information
Craft: Aizu-nuri (Aizu lacquerware), a traditional craft from Fukushima Prefecture, Japan
Item type: Letter box / document box (fumibako)
Decoration: Maki-e chrysanthemum motif in gold and silver on a red lacquer ground
Materials: Lacquered wood body with maki-e decoration
The item will be carefully packaged and shipped by Japan Post or DHL, depending on the situation.
Due to the changes to the EU tax-free (VAT) system, Japan Post has become unable to ship certain goods valued at €150 or less to an increasing number of European countries. Depending on the destination and circumstances, the shipping method may therefore be changed from Japan Post to DHL.
Delivery normally takes approximately 3 weeks, or up to 3 months if the item is shipped by sea.
Please note that import duties, taxes, customs fees, and other charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility.
For customs clearance, your local customs office or delivery company may contact you by phone or email. To avoid any delays or the return of the parcel, please ensure that you can respond promptly to any such requests. If the parcel is returned due to an inability to contact you or complete customs clearance, additional shipping charges, which may be more than twice the original shipping cost, will apply for reshipment.
Thank you for your kind understanding and cooperation. We will do our utmost to ensure that your item arrives safely and without any issues.
Seller's Story
A Japanese living in Japan, I appreciate traditional and modern art.
I specialize in selecting artworks that reflect quiet strength, refined beauty, and timeless craftsmanship of Japanese culture. My collection focuses on pieces that carry a story—whether traditional ukiyo‑e prints, contemporary works inspired by wabi‑sabi aesthetics, or handcrafted items created by regional artisans.
With years of experience working closely with artists, studios, and collectors across Japan, I take pride in offering works that are both visually compelling and culturally meaningful. Every item is carefully curated for authenticity, condition, and artistic value, ensuring that bidders can participate with confidence.
My goal is to connect international collectors with the richness of Japanese artistry—pieces that bring harmony, character, and a touch of Japan’s spirit into your home.
I look forward to sharing these works with you and hope they inspire the same appreciation and joy they bring to me :)
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Era
1900-2000
Weight
1072 g
Title additional information
Chrysanthemum Maki-e
Number of objects
1
Material
Wood
Country of origin
Japan
Style
Vintage
Colour
Red
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
9 cm
Width
23 cm
Depth
30 cm
Estimated period
1900-2000
