Japanese maki-e box

• Dimensions: height 5.7 cm, width 14 cm and depth 11 cm
• Material: lacquer and wood
• Country of origin: Japan
• Era: 1950-1960
• Good condition - used with small signs of ageing

This unique Japanese bento box, crafted using the traditional maki-e technique, is a stunningly beautiful storage for jewelry, tarot cards, small items, or other cherished belongings.

The box features a chrysanthemum motif (菊, kiku). The chrysanthemum, a symbol of the Japanese people, is a noble flower that has been cultivated throughout Japan’s history, reflecting the nation’s refined sense of beauty.

Maki-e is a Japanese lacquer decoration technique in which intricate designs are painted with lacquer and finished with fine metallic powders. The process demands extraordinary precision, a steady hand, and great patience—each step, from applying the lacquer to sprinkling the powder and polishing, is done entirely by hand. The result is a glossy, three-dimensional design that radiates depth and elegance. Each piece is a unique work of art, where tradition, aesthetics, and technical mastery come together.