Pen case - Wood, Lacquer, Gilt

00
days
09
hours
38
minutes
08
seconds
Current bid
€ 1
No reserve price
Boda Shen
Expert
Estimate  € 150 - € 200
FR
€1

Catawiki Buyer Protection

Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details

Trustpilot 4.4 | 144581 reviews

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.

This Japanese wooden fudebako brush box is decorated in maki-e lacquer with a raised snail motif and gilt accents, dates from the Shōwa period and measures 20 × 9.5 × 5 cm.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

A fine Japanese maki-e lacquer brush box (fudebako) featuring a snail motif, created during the Shōwa period...

### Description
This is an exquisite and beautifully crafted Japanese lacquer brush box (fudebako), exquisitely decorated in maki-e technique with a charming snail motif. Created during the Shōwa period, the lid features a detailed and raised depiction of a snail crawling amidst a subtle geometric background accented with delicate gold dust, showcasing the mastery of traditional Japanese lacquer craftsmanship.

### The Symbolism of the Snail in Japanese Art
In Japanese culture and art, the snail (katsumushi) carries unique symbolism. Known for its slow, deliberate pace and resilience, it is often associated with patience, steadfastness, and tranquility. The inclusion of a snail in traditional crafts brings a sense of quiet nature and poetic elegance to daily life.

### Condition
Good vintage condition. Displays minor signs of age-related wear, light surface scuffs, and minor chipping of the lacquer consistent with its age and handling. Please refer to the photos for a detailed assessment of the condition. Sold as-is.

### Dimensions
Height: 5 cm / Width: 20 cm / Depth: 9.5 cm

### Weight
216 g

### Accessories
None.

### Shipping Information
* This item will be safely packed and shipped directly from Japan.
* Please note: Shipping for this item is available exclusively to destinations within the EEA, Switzerland, and the UK.

Items will be shipped via:
* DHL Express
* EMS
* International Air Parcel

Note: The shipping method is selected based on the destination country, package size, and available carrier services.
To ensure smooth customs clearance and avoid double taxation, delays, or unexpected returns—particularly in regions where postal customs system issues are present—certain destinations (such as France, Italy, Spain, etc.) will be shipped via DHL Express.

### Import Duties & Taxes
* Import duties, taxes, and VAT are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
* Please check with your country's customs office to determine additional costs prior to bidding.
* We cannot declare a lower value or mark the item as a "gift."

Thanks,
WAQWAQ Kyoto

Seller's Story

Welcome to the WAQWAQ Kyoto store. Thank you for visiting our profile. Established in 2003, we are a trusted buy-and-sell shop located in the historic city of Kyoto, Japan. We have been bringing our curated selection to Catawiki buyers since 2025. Please be advised that our shipping is strictly limited to EEA countries, Switzerland, and the UK. To ensure safe and fast delivery, we ship all orders via DHL Express, EMS, or International Air Parcel. The most suitable carrier will be automatically selected based on the item's value, size, and your destination to ensure the best balance of speed, safety, and cost.

A fine Japanese maki-e lacquer brush box (fudebako) featuring a snail motif, created during the Shōwa period...

### Description
This is an exquisite and beautifully crafted Japanese lacquer brush box (fudebako), exquisitely decorated in maki-e technique with a charming snail motif. Created during the Shōwa period, the lid features a detailed and raised depiction of a snail crawling amidst a subtle geometric background accented with delicate gold dust, showcasing the mastery of traditional Japanese lacquer craftsmanship.

### The Symbolism of the Snail in Japanese Art
In Japanese culture and art, the snail (katsumushi) carries unique symbolism. Known for its slow, deliberate pace and resilience, it is often associated with patience, steadfastness, and tranquility. The inclusion of a snail in traditional crafts brings a sense of quiet nature and poetic elegance to daily life.

### Condition
Good vintage condition. Displays minor signs of age-related wear, light surface scuffs, and minor chipping of the lacquer consistent with its age and handling. Please refer to the photos for a detailed assessment of the condition. Sold as-is.

### Dimensions
Height: 5 cm / Width: 20 cm / Depth: 9.5 cm

### Weight
216 g

### Accessories
None.

### Shipping Information
* This item will be safely packed and shipped directly from Japan.
* Please note: Shipping for this item is available exclusively to destinations within the EEA, Switzerland, and the UK.

Items will be shipped via:
* DHL Express
* EMS
* International Air Parcel

Note: The shipping method is selected based on the destination country, package size, and available carrier services.
To ensure smooth customs clearance and avoid double taxation, delays, or unexpected returns—particularly in regions where postal customs system issues are present—certain destinations (such as France, Italy, Spain, etc.) will be shipped via DHL Express.

### Import Duties & Taxes
* Import duties, taxes, and VAT are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
* Please check with your country's customs office to determine additional costs prior to bidding.
* We cannot declare a lower value or mark the item as a "gift."

Thanks,
WAQWAQ Kyoto

Seller's Story

Welcome to the WAQWAQ Kyoto store. Thank you for visiting our profile. Established in 2003, we are a trusted buy-and-sell shop located in the historic city of Kyoto, Japan. We have been bringing our curated selection to Catawiki buyers since 2025. Please be advised that our shipping is strictly limited to EEA countries, Switzerland, and the UK. To ensure safe and fast delivery, we ship all orders via DHL Express, EMS, or International Air Parcel. The most suitable carrier will be automatically selected based on the item's value, size, and your destination to ensure the best balance of speed, safety, and cost.

Details

Era
1900-2000
Number of objects
1
Material
Gilt, Lacquer, Wood
Country of origin
Japan
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
5 cm
Width
20 cm
Depth
9.5 cm
Estimated period
Showa period (1926-1989)
JapanVerified
435
Objects sold
100%
protop

Similar objects

  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​

For you in

Japanese Art

  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​