Elegant lacquered tiered jûbako 重箱 (picnic box) comprising five stackable tiers, two covers, and a raised tray. Each bearing an attractive deep chestnut brown ground and lacquered in takamaki-e 高蒔絵 (high-relief lacquer design) depicting continuous gold and silver leaves from a banana tree 場所 (bashô) with kirigane 切金 (cut and inlaid pieces of gold leaf) details. The interior in red lacquer finished with a gold rim. Period: Japan – Early Shôwa period (Second quarter 20th century). The jûbako is in a very good condition with only some very minor traces of wear conform age. Please look at the photos for condition reference. Dimensions: Height 49 cm, Width and Depth 24.5 cm. In Japan and in Asia the image of the banana plant, its frail leaves in the wind, its watery trunk, is a metaphor for the human body and its impermanence. From the very early days the Basho-plant was a source of inspiration. For example for the 12th century poet Saigyo reads: "When the wind blows at random go the leaves of the banana; Thus is it laid waste; Can anyone rely on this world? " (from Donald H. Shively / Hermitary) When shipped we will add a certificate of authenticity.