Box - Document Box Yanagibako Style with Brocade Lining (楊筥写錦折立文箱) - Original Box Signed 'Jingu Shicho

【Important notes】

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【Product details】

This elegant Showa period document box is designed in the form of a “Yanagibako” (楊筥), an ancient willow container used to store small sacred objects. The exterior is crafted from light-coloured wood cut into fine triangular strips and arranged in a crisp, folded pattern, giving the box a striking architectural presence. The lid continues the same rhythm of zigzag planes, creating a refined sense of movement and shadow.

Inside, the box is lined with a rich purple brocade fabric woven with repeating cherry blossom motifs, adding a luxurious contrast to the simple pale wood. The soft textile interior makes it ideal for storing letters, calligraphy, jewellery or other cherished small items while also serving beautifully as a display piece.

According to the enclosed leaflet, the design faithfully imitates the traditional Yanagibako container once made from willow twigs bound with raw silk, later fashioned from triangular willow strips tied together with silk or paper cords. In Shinto ritual, such Yanagibako boxes were part of the sacred treasures and used to hold small items such as combs and other personal objects. This piece recreates that historic form as a refined document box.

The document box itself shows small dents, minor blemishes, and light signs of use, but remains in good used condition overall. The wooden storage box has visible stains and wear consistent with age. Please refer to the photos for further details

Dimensions: approx. H 31.8 cm W 24.2 cm D 7.6 cm

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・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!