Alexandra Xu

日本装飾アートオークション

### 日本語の祝賀電報漆器 – 2点セット

 cranes and pine? Wait must translate properly. Let's craft new text in Japanese.

### Japanese congratulatory telegram lacquerware – 2-piece set

A beautiful set of two Japanese decorative lacquerware boxes featuring cranes and pine trees, traditional auspicious motifs associated with longevity, happiness and celebration in Japan.

Both pieces were originally associated with Japan’s distinctive congratulatory telegram culture and have been kept unused in very clean condition.

### 1. Japanese congratulatory telegram box – received in the 1990s

The larger piece is an elegant flat black lacquer-style presentation box decorated with two flying cranes and a pine tree in delicate gold-tone decoration.

According to the provenance provided with the item, this box was received in Japan in the 1990s as part of a congratulatory telegram.

Decorative presentation boxes of this type were used for Japanese congratulatory telegrams during the late 20th century and into the early 21st century. Unlike an ordinary paper telegram, the decorative box could be retained by the recipient as a commemorative keepsake after the message was received.

The reverse bears a label marked “祝 S-12.” The Japanese character “祝” means “celebration” or “congratulations,” which is consistent with its reported use as a congratulatory telegram presentation piece.

Because this particular example is known to have been received in the 1990s, it provides an interesting surviving example of Japanese congratulatory telegram culture from that period.

The exact manufacturer, production date, base material and type of lacquer/coating have not been confirmed.

Size:
approx. 23.5 × 17.7 × 1.8 cm

### 2. NTT DENPO 115 “Tsuru” congratulatory telegram box

The second piece is a Japanese congratulatory telegram presentation box with its original packaging marked:

“DENPO 115”
“うるし電報『鶴』”
(Urushi Denpo “Tsuru” / Lacquer Telegram “Crane”)

The glossy black box is decorated with two elegant cranes in flight, pine branches and attractive gold-tone accents.

The interior is lined with a rich blue-purple textile, creating an elegant contrast with the black exterior.

Its dimensions are approximately 16.7 × 14.3 × 3.4 cm.

This closely corresponds to the specifications of the NTT congratulatory lacquer telegram “Tsuru,” which was introduced in Japan in 2020.

Weight:
approx. 484 g, as shown in the photographs.

### Crane and pine – traditional Japanese auspicious motifs

The crane, known as “tsuru” in Japanese, is one of the most important auspicious motifs in Japanese culture and traditionally represents longevity, happiness and good fortune.

Pine, or “matsu,” is an evergreen and has long symbolized longevity, endurance and prosperity.

For this reason, cranes and pine trees are frequently used together on Japanese objects associated with weddings, anniversaries and other important celebrations.

### Condition

Both pieces are unused and have been carefully stored.

The lacquerware remains in very clean and attractive condition.

Minor surface marks, small imperfections or traces of long-term storage may be present.

The outer presentation boxes/packaging may show rubbing, scratches and other storage-related wear.

Please carefully examine all photographs as they form an important part of the description.

### Materials and decoration

These pieces are described as Japanese decorative lacquerware.

The exact base materials and the precise type of lacquer or synthetic coating have not been confirmed. Therefore, they are not described as traditional natural urushi lacquer or genuine maki-e unless independently verified.

The crane, pine and other decorative elements have a beautiful gold-tone appearance.

### Collector appeal

This set represents an interesting aspect of Japanese ceremonial and telecommunications culture: the tradition of sending important congratulatory messages in decorative presentation boxes that could be retained as keepsakes.

The larger box is particularly interesting because its provenance records that it was actually received as a congratulatory telegram in Japan during the 1990s.

The second “DENPO 115 / Urushi Denpo Tsuru” piece represents a later continuation of this Japanese tradition.

Together, the two pieces illustrate the evolution and continuity of Japan’s decorative congratulatory telegram culture across different periods.

The elegant crane and pine designs also make them attractive decorative objects in their own right.

A distinctive Japanese collector’s set for enthusiasts of Japanese decorative arts, lacquerware, telecommunications memorabilia, ceremonial objects and auspicious crane motifs.

The lot will be carefully packed for safe international shipping from Japan.

### Keywords
Japanese lacquerware, Urushi lacquer, NTT DENPO 115, Urushi Denpo, Japanese telegram, Tsuru crane, crane lacquer box, Fubako, Japanese document box, Japanese keepsake box, Japanese decorative box, crane and pine, Matsu pine, Japanese crane art, gold decoration, maki-e style, black lacquerware, Japanese traditional craft, Japanese ceremonial art, congratulatory telegram, Japanese wedding gift, Japanese celebration, auspicious Japanese art, Japanese collectible, Japan vintage style, Japanese gift box, oriental lacquerware, crane motif, Japanese interior decor, Japan telecommunications memorabilia


■ Please Note ■
Shipping Information:
Items are shipped from Japan.
As this involves international shipping, please be sure to check the shipping costs before placing a bid.
Items are packed with great care to prevent damage during transit.
Shipping costs are calculated based on the net weight of the item, packaging materials, and the weight of the shipping box.
Depending on the situation, items will be shipped via DHL, FedEx, UPS, or Japan Post.
Delivery typically takes 1 to 3 weeks.
Import duties, taxes, and fees are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
You may be contacted by phone or email by customs authorities in your country or the shipping carrier regarding customs clearance procedures.
Please ensure you are available to answer the phone.
If the carrier is unable to contact you, the package will be returned to us, and you will be charged double the shipping fee for re-shipment.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Our expert provides this estimate to guide you when you’re bidding. It’s based on expected demand and the unique characteristics of the object, like quality, rarity, or ownership history. We can’t guarantee the object will sell, resell or be appraised for this amount.

日本装飾漆器 2点セット – お祝い用電報箱 – NTT DENPO 115 “Tsuru” - 合成漆 - Japan - 20th century

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10年以上にわたり、日本国内外のアジア・アメリカなどのECサイトで日本製品を販売してきました。Catawikiで初めてのオークションを開催できることを大変嬉しく思います。今後は、日本限定アイテムや日本で既に生産終了となっており入手困難なレア商品を中心に出品していきたいと考えています。私たちは商品を保管・発送には細心の注意を払っています。商品は日本から直送されるため、配送にはおおよそ3週間程度かかることをご了承ください。

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Two‑piece Japanese decorative lacquerware set comprising a larger congratulatory telegram box and a smaller NTT DENPO 115 “Tsuru” box, both unused and in excellent condition, featuring cranes and pines in gold on black lacquer.

日本装飾漆器 2点セット – お祝い用電報箱 – NTT DENPO 115 “Tsuru” - 合成漆 - Japan - 20th century

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Two‑piece Japanese decorative lacquerware set comprising a larger congratulatory telegram box and a smaller NTT DENPO 115 “Tsuru” box, both unused and in excellent condition, featuring cranes and pines in gold on black lacquer.

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