Japanese lacquerware - zohiko - 盒子 - 日本漆 - 漆器 日本金粉 - Fubako【文箱】GoldMaki-e【金蒔绘】

【英文描述】

【Overview & Specifications】
A magnificent vintage 2-tiered round lacquer box, traditionally known in Japan as "Maju" or "Jubako" (丸重/重箱). This collector-grade masterpiece was hand-crafted by the world-renowned and historic Kyoto artisan house, Heian Zohiko (平安象彦).

- Total Weight (including original wooden box): Approx. 1,500g
- Total Dimensions: Height 15.5 cm / Diameter (Width) 16.0 cm
- Lower Tier Dimensions: Height 7.2 cm
- Upper Tier Dimensions: Height 5.1 cm
- Material: Natural Wood & High-quality Japanese Genuine Lacquer (木製・本漆)
- Condition: Excellent / Near Mint. The lacquerware itself is unused and perfectly glossy, free of notable scratches or fading.

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【The Artistic Heritage: The Story of "Korin Pine"】
The breathtaking gold artwork on the cover pays homage to Ogata Korin (尾形光琳, 1658–1716), one of the most celebrated master painters of the Edo period and a leading figure of the legendary Rimpa (琳派) school art movement.
The "Korin Pine" (光琳松) design is characterized by its highly stylized, bold, and geometric rendition of pine needles. In Japanese culture, the pine tree is an auspicious symbol of longevity, resilience, and eternal life because it remains green even through the harshest winters. The flowing gold lines create a brilliant, rhythmic harmony against the deep, mirror-like black lacquer surface, bringing a classic 17th-century Japanese art aesthetic into a mid-to-late 20th-century vintage object.

【The Mastery of Craft: The Value of Zohiko & Maki-e】
- The Prestige of Heian Zohiko (Kyoto): Founded in 1661 (the Kanbun era), Zohiko represents the absolute pinnacle of luxury Japanese lacquerware for over 360 years. Serving emperors, aristocrats, and high-society tea masters, Zohiko is celebrated for its unmatched precision in Kyoto-style lacquer (Kyo-shikki). Owning a Zohiko piece with its original signed box is a major status symbol among Asian art collectors worldwide.
- The Value of Gold Maki-e: "Maki-e" (sprinkled picture) is a sophisticated traditional technique where the artisan hand-paints intricate designs using liquid lacquer and then carefully sprinkles fine gold metallic powder before it dries. This process requires decades of training and flawless precision.
- The Hidden Detail (Sensuji grooves): A unique features of this piece is the lower tier, which is decorated with "Sensuji" (千筋) — fine, beautiful horizontal lathe-turned grooves. This adds a rich textural element and showcases the incredible wood-turning mastery of Kyoto artisans.

【Elegant Styling Ideas: How to Use this Piece Luxuriously】
While traditionally used for serving high-end Japanese New Year's dishes or traditional sweets (Wagashi), this exquisite container seamlessly elevates modern European interiors:
1. As an Oriental Vanity & Jewelry Box: Perfect for storing luxury watches, rings, or necklaces. The smooth black lacquer interior provides a stunning, high-contrast backdrop for gold and diamond jewelry.
2. As a Dining Centerpiece: Beautiful for serving premium chocolates, macarons, or dried fruits to guests during tea or coffee time.
3. As a Desktop Organizer: A highly sophisticated way to store fountain pens, stationery seals, or important personal mementos on an executive desk.

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【Important Notes on Provenance & Authenticity】
- Signed Tomobako: It comes complete with its original signed wooden storage box (Tomobako / 共箱), which bears the official Zohiko calligraphy and red seal (落款), guaranteeing its absolute authenticity.
- Corporate Inscription: The reverse side of the original wooden box features a hand-written Japanese inscription in marker, indicating that this piece was presented as a high-end corporate commemorative gift on August 30, 1991 (Heisei 3). For international collectors, this serves as an authentic piece of historical provenance verifying its exact production date and origin in Japan.

【Shipping & Packaging】
The item will be packed with the utmost professional care using heavy-duty bubble wrap and a sturdy double-walled outer box to protect the delicate lacquerware and the wooden box during international transit. Shipped via tracked and insured international courier from Japan. Any applicable customs duties, VAT, or import taxes are the buyer's responsibility.