传统日本漆盒（Ōbunko / Bunko）— 日本首相的官方赠品 - 日本 - Heisei period (1989-present)

Description
A prestigious Japanese urushi lacquer document box (Ōbunko / Bunko), created by a renowned master for presentation as an official state gift. Works of this caliber, decorated by renowned Echizen masters, are exceptional collector's pieces rarely encountered on the market. They embody the highest standards of traditional craftsmanship while also reflecting Japan's diplomatic heritage and state prestige.
Origin and Artist
Official Gift: The gold calligraphic inscription on the inside of the lid, “贈 内閣総理大臣” (“A Gift from the Prime Minister”), confirms the exceptional status of the piece. The exterior of the lid is adorned with a masterfully executed Paulownia crest (Goshichi no Kiri), the official emblem of the Japanese government and the Prime Minister.
Artist: The work is signed by Tomita Ritsuzan, a highly regarded master of Echizen chinkin , whose works have been exhibited at the prestigious Nitten exhibitions. The master's signature and original seal appear on the accompanying tomobako (signed wooden storage box).
Motif: “Poem of Peace” — the majestic Mount Fuji framed by blossoming cherry trees. A classic Japanese motif imbued with profound symbolic and philosophical meaning.
Contents
The set consists of:
1. An outer black urushi lacquer lid decorated with Mount Fuji and the Paulownia crest.
2. An inner compartment insert intended for writing implements or small documents.
3. A luxurious red lacquered base.
4. The original tomobako (wooden storage box), signed and sealed by the artist and bearing its original calligraphic inscription.
Condition
The condition is good and consistent with age. The lacquer retains a deep, mirror-like sheen, while the gold decoration remains well preserved.
Please note the following minor signs of age and use:
• A small lacquer chip extending to the wooden substrate is present on one corner.
• Fine superficial scratches are visible on the upper surface of the lid and on the underside of the box.
Natural urushi patina: As visible in photo 27, a subtle matte bloom can be observed under certain lighting conditions around the Paulownia crest and in the upper left area of the lid. The underside of the inner insert exhibits a uniform matte surface across its entire base. This age-related patination is characteristic of traditional urushi lacquer and reflects the natural changes that occur in the material over time. It is generally regarded as part of the authentic character of the piece rather than a condition issue. Such surface character is commonly associated with traditional urushi lacquer and is not typically encountered on modern synthetic finishes.
Dimensions
Box: 33 cm × 26 cm × 12 cm
Tomobako (wooden storage box): 36 cm × 28 cm × 14.5 cm
Weight: 1935 g
Period: Heisei Era (1989–2019)
Shipping Information
For buyers outside the European Union:
Customs duties, import taxes, and any additional charges are the responsibility of the buyer. Customs authorities or the courier may contact you by telephone or email, so please ensure you are reachable. Should a parcel be returned due to non-delivery caused by the buyer, all reshipping costs will be borne by the buyer. Combined shipping is not available.
For buyers within the European Union:
The item ships from Lithuania (EU), therefore no customs duties or additional import taxes apply to buyers within the European Union.
Courier:
Shipping is carried out exclusively via UPS, with mandatory recipient signature and delivery only to the address specified in the order.