• A person is holding a black rectangular object with red text on it.
  • A black wooden box with a red interior, featuring an orange Chinese character on its lid, is placed on a wooden surface.
  • two wooden boxes, one with a red interior and the other with a black interior, placed on a wooden surface.
  • a red rectangle with Chinese characters on it, which are not longer than 500 characters.
  • A black wooden box with a weathered appearance sits on a wooden surface.
  • A dark wooden box with a visible crack on the top surface, sitting on a wooden surface.
  • A dark wooden box with a glossy finish sits on a wooden surface.
  • A black wooden box with a weathered, rustic appearance sits on a wooden surface.
  • A black rectangular box with a red Chinese character on it, placed on a wooden surface.
  • A black rectangular object with a textured surface, sitting on a wooden surface.
  • A black rectangular box with a red Chinese character on it, placed on a wooden surface.
  • Two wooden boxes, one black and one red, are placed side by side on a wooden surface.
  • a close-up view of a black surface with some visible wear and tear, including a small chip or scratch on the right side.
  • A close-up view of a dark, textured surface, possibly a piece of furniture or a wall, with a slightly worn and weathered appearance.
  • a close-up view of a black surface with a chipped and worn paint, revealing the underlying wood grain.
  • a close-up view of a black wooden surface with a small red mark or stain on it.
  • A close-up view of a dark wooden surface with visible signs of wear and tear, including peeling paint and a rough texture.
  • A close-up view of a black, weathered surface with visible signs of wear and tear, including peeling paint and a rough texture.
  • A close-up view of a weathered, black surface with visible signs of age and wear, including peeling paint and cracks.
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Wabisabi Antiques

Antique Lacquered Wood Box, Black Exterior, Red Interior, Kinokuniya Kanji (H14×W30×D18cm)

Antique Lacquered Wood Box, Black Exterior, Red Interior, Kinokuniya Kanji (H14×W30×D18cm)

$110.00 USD
$0.00 USD $110.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Free shipping to the US, Western countries, Asia and Oceania

Size:

Weight:

Material:

Dating from the mid-20th century, a piece identified as an antique japanese lacquer box bears the Kinokuniya (紀伊國屋) kanji on its lid and pairs a sleek black exterior with a vivid red interior, merging functional wooden storage with refined black lacquerware. Designed to carry plated dishes for catering, low wooden feet protect the base while the lacquer helps retain warmth and maintain presentation. The object reads as a collectible art box and a wood chest for vintage home decor or a desktop organizer, its wabi sabi aesthetic evident where lacquer has peeled with age, confirming authentic use rather than factory finish.



* Size: H 5.5 in × W 11.8 in × D 7.1 in (approx. H14 × W30 × D18 cm)
* Weight: 31.5 oz (896 g)
* Material: wood with lacquer finish (black exterior, red interior)
* Marking: Kinokuniya kanji inscription on lid (紀伊國屋)
* Condition: observable lacquer peeling consistent with age and use
* Design details: low wooden feet to keep base off floor



Use & display

This japanese catering box was crafted to transport and present plated meals while preserving temperature and appearance, so it suits both functional and decorative roles. As a black lacquerware piece, it reads well as an asian decor object on a shelf, as a kanji display case in a study, or repurposed as a traditional bento chest for staged photography or museum-style display. For everyday use, it can serve as a minimalist wood chest or desktop organizer for papers, stationery, or small valuables while retaining the lacquerware heirloom feel.


Condition notes

Wear is authentic: the listing notes some peeling of lacquer consistent with age and use. Those surface losses contribute to a wabi sabi aesthetic rather than indicating structural failure. The wood, feet, and lid remain intact; no additional restorations or modern alterations are documented in the supplied description.


Dimensions & handling

The compact footprint (H14 × W30 × D18 cm) makes the piece easy to place on a table, credenza, or shelf. At roughly 896 g, it is substantial enough to feel like a collectible art box yet light enough for careful handling. Low wooden feet reduce direct contact with surfaces and help protect both the box and the furniture beneath.


Care recommendations

- Keep away from direct heat and prolonged sunlight to protect lacquer.
- Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth; avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- If used for food presentation, line the interior with a clean cloth or tray to prevent direct contact with lacquer.


🌐 ーーー SHOP POLICIES ーーー

🌐 International Buyers: Standard DDU terms. Custom duties/taxes are the buyer's responsibility upon delivery.

✈️ SHIPPING

• Free Shipping: To US, Europe, and most areas. 

• Surcharges: May apply to Australia, NZ, or remote areas for heavy/large items only. We will contact you before shipping (Full refund if canceled). Small/light items always ship free worldwide.

• Courier: Securely shipped via DHL, FedEx, EMS, or Japan Post with tracking. Carrier is selected by the shop; buyers cannot specify. Urgent upgrades available (please message us before buying).

📦 COMBINED SHIPPING

• We combine shipping for multiple purchases whenever safe. Any realized shipping savings will be promptly refunded to you after packaging.

🛡️ RETURNS & CONDITION

• Returns: Accepted within 7 days. Buyer pays round-trip shipping costs and processing fees for buyer's remorse.

• Condition: Our items are authentic antiques/vintage. Naturally, they carry signs of age (scratches/wear). Please examine all photos carefully before purchasing.


FAQ

Q: Is the kanji original and legible?

A: Yes — the Kinokuniya kanji (紀伊國屋) is present on the lid as shown in photographs and is part of the piece’s provenance and display value.


Q: Can this be used as a functional catering box or bento chest today?

A: The box was originally made for catering use; as a vintage home decor or practical desktop organizer it functions well, but because lacquer shows age-related peeling, we recommend using a liner if you place food directly inside.


Q: Does the condition affect its value as a collectible art box?

A: The visible lacquer peeling contributes to the wabi sabi aesthetic and authentic history of the piece; collectors of black lacquerware and lacquerware heirloom objects often value such signs of use.


Q: Is shipping fragile due to the lacquer?

A: The wood construction and low feet are stable, but lacquer can chip if mishandled; pack with cushioning and avoid heavy stacking.

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Shipping

Though we ship items free to most addresses in USA and Europe, we may ask to pay additional fee for shipping to remote addresses where DHL/FedEx apply. Any orders can be cancelled in this case.

Combined shipping is available for purchase two and more items.Please contact in detail before ordering to avoid several payment transactions.

Due to increase of shipping fee to Australia and New Zealand, free shipping is not applied for orders to be shipped there from 1st, September 2024. We will inform customers of additional fee after receiving orders. Items will not be shipped until customers reply and in case there is no agreement with the tariff, orders will be cancelled.

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