title: black lacquer gold maki-e five-tiered jubako with pine, bamboo, and plum design (shōchikubai) description a magnificent five-tiered japanese lacquered food box (jubako), decorated with gold maki-e (sprinkled gold lacquer) depicting the auspicious pine, bamboo, and plum (shōchikubai) motif — a traditional symbol of longevity, resilience, and renewal. crafted from wood and finished with black lacquer on the exterior and vermilion lacquer inside, this piece exemplifies the refined artistry of early 20th-century japanese lacquerware. details period: late taishō to early shōwa era (circa 1910–1940) material: wood with urushi lacquer and gold maki-e decoration techniques: hiramaki-e (flat maki-e) and togidashi maki-e (polished maki-e) structure: five stacking layers (godan-jūbako), square form, red lacquer interior dimensions: height 33 cm × width 22 cm × depth 19.8 cm weight: 1.65 kg design and symbolism the decoration represents the “three friends of winter” (歳寒三友 / shōchikubai) — a motif cherished in japanese and east asian art for centuries: pine (matsu): symbol of longevity, steadfastness, and eternal vitality bamboo (take): represents integrity, resilience, and prosperity plum (ume): signifies renewal, hope, and beauty blossoming in adversity together, they express good fortune, harmony, and endurance, making this motif a popular design for new year’s celebrations, weddings, and other auspicious occasions. craftsmanship the gold decoration shows exceptional brush control — pine needles and bark textures rendered through a combination of flat maki-e and fine line engraving with gold powder (keibori maki-e). the contrast between the glossy black exterior and brilliant red lacquer interior evokes formality and elegance, typical of high-grade ceremonial lacquerware. the vermilion lacquered interior remains vivid with only minor wear. the gold maki-e surface retains its clarity and brilliance, with only light abrasion and small age-related flakes — overall very good preservation for its period. summary item details title black lacquer gold maki-e five-tiered jubako with pine, bamboo, and plum design period late taishō – early shōwa (c. 1910–1940) material wood, urushi lacquer, gold maki-e techniques hiramaki-e, togidashi maki-e interior red lacquer (vermilion) motif pine, bamboo, plum (shōchikubai) – auspicious design condition very good; minor surface wear and small age flakes size h 33 cm × w 22 cm × d 19.8 cm weight 1.65 kg shipping: dhl or japan post note: import duties or customs taxes may apply. please bid with understanding.