Vintage Cassetta postale - Aizu Lacquerware (会津塗) - Maki-e Letter Box(文箱) with Raden Inlay - 1990-2000

Aizu Lacquer (会津塗) Maki-e Letter Box(文箱) with Raden Inlay

◎ This item will be shipped from Japan. This beautiful Maki-e letter box (Fumibako) was crafted in Aizu, one of Japan's most renowned lacquerware-producing regions. The lid is decorated with an elegant Japanese design depicting a beautiful arrangement of autumn flowers in traditional Maki-e lacquer art. Among the flowers, a single bellflower (Kikyo) is highlighted with exquisite Raden (mother-of-pearl) inlay, adding a graceful accent to the composition.

Inside the lid is a gold inscription reading:

"Commemorating the Completion of the New Headquarters – October, Heisei 5 (1993) – Waomi Construction Co., Ltd."

From this inscription, it can be understood that this beautiful letter box was presented in 1993 by a construction company in Chiba Prefecture as a commemorative gift to express appreciation to its employees and their families upon the completion of its new headquarters.

From the Showa period through the early Heisei era, many Japanese companies embraced a culture of lifetime employment and regarded their employees almost as members of one extended family. During this period, it was common for companies to present commemorative gifts to their employees, and this letter box is a fine example of that tradition. It is a piece that reminds us of a warm and thoughtful era in Japanese corporate culture.

【What is a Fumibako?】
A Fumibako is a traditional Japanese letter box used for storing important letters and documents or for presenting correspondence to others. Its origins date back to the Heian period (794–1185), when similar boxes were used for carrying official documents. Over time, they evolved into elegant containers for long handwritten letters and eventually became beautifully decorated furnishings used in traditional Japanese wedding ceremonies.

【About Aizu Lacquerware】
Aizu-nuri is the collective name for lacquerware produced in the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. Its history dates back to the 15th century, when the feudal lord Gamo Ujisato is said to have introduced lacquerware production techniques to the region. During the Edo period (1603–1868), the Aizu domain actively promoted the industry, allowing Aizu lacquerware to spread throughout Japan and eventually become part of everyday life in ordinary households.

【Dimensions】
Length: Approx. 30 cm
Width: Approx. 26 cm
Height: Approx. 6 cm
Weight: Approx. 870 g

【Condition】
Although this piece is approximately 33 years old, it remains in remarkably good condition. Minor signs of age and light surface scratches may be present due to normal aging.

Please note that the eyeglasses shown in the photographs are for size reference only and are not included with the item.

Please bid only after taking these points into consideration.

Important Information Before Bidding

This item will be shipped from Japan.

Please note that the hammer price, shipping costs, import duties, VAT, and Catawiki fees are not included in the purchase price.

If you are bidding from outside Japan, please check your country's import duties before bidding or refer to the following Catawiki Help Center pages:

Understanding import taxes
https://www.catawiki.com/en/help/buyer-customs-and-taxes/understanding-import-taxes

Understanding customs fees and import charges
https://www.catawiki.com/en/help/buyer-customs-and-taxes/understanding-customs-fees-and-import-charges

【Shipping】
The item will be carefully packed and shipped from Japan via EMS, with a tracking number provided for safe and secure delivery.

For example, shipping to the Netherlands, Italy, and Spain is €34. Please check the shipping cost to your country before placing your bid.

Please note that Japan Post has currently suspended EMS service to the following EU countries due to delays related to the new customs regulations introduced on 1 July:

Austria
Denmark
Germany
Finland
France
Belgium
Portugal
Luxembourg

For shipments to these destinations, we will use DHL instead, and the shipping cost will be €54.

Thank you for your kind understanding.