Antique Meiji Era Imari Porcelain Bento Box – Two-Tiered Stacking Ceramic Lunch Box

A hand-painted two-tiered ceramic lunch box from late 19th-century Japan carries the Antique Imari Porcelain Box into modern collections, showing its octopus arabesque pattern in cobalt blue on white porcelain with soft accent colors. Handmade during the Meiji period, this stacking ceramic container follows traditional jubako proportions and is sized for food or small-item storage. Surface scratches and a crack in the lid reflect authentic age while not affecting usability. At about H13cm × 14.2cm and 930g, the blue white porcelain has been preserved as a collectible kitchen decor piece and ceramic trinket keeper, perfect for collectors and kitchens.

Authenticity & history

This piece is consistent with Meiji era ceramics in form and decoration: hand-printed motifs and a cobalt palette common to Imari wares. The spiral vine motif—often called the octopus arabesque pattern—appears on the exterior and aligns with decorative approaches used in collectible Japanese lunch box examples from the era.

Practical description

As a Japanese lunch box style stacking container, the two-tiered construction snaps together as a compact two-tier food box and also adapts to non-food uses. Its size and weight make it suitable as a vintage storage jar alternative for small household items; when used for display it functions well as collectible kitchen decor or a ceramic trinket keeper on a shelf.

Condition details

Age-related surface scratches are visible on the glaze and the lid shows a crack noted in the photographs. These marks are consistent with long-term use and do not prevent the tiers from stacking or the box from functioning as a storage vessel. No other restorations or repairs are disclosed.

Care guidance

Handle the porcelain gently to avoid stressing the cracked lid area. Clean with a soft cloth and mild, non-abrasive cleaner; avoid sudden temperature changes that can expand glaze cracks. If you intend to use it for food, please inspect seals and surfaces and consider using liners or non-porous inserts for wet or hot items.

🌐 ーーー SHOP POLICIES & SHIPPING DETAILS ーーー

🌐 For International Buyers (Outside the US): 

Standard terms apply. Any import duties, local taxes, or customs clearance fees under your country's regulations are the responsibility of the buyer upon delivery (DDU).

✈️ SHIPPING & COURIER POLICY

• Covered Areas: We offer Free Shipping to the US, Europe, and most destinations. 

• Exceptions: For remote areas, Australia, New Zealand, or certain island destinations, additional shipping surcharges may apply for heavier/larger items. If a surcharge is required, we will contact you before shipping. If we cannot reach an agreement, the order will be fully refunded and canceled. (Light/small items generally ship free worldwide).

• Couriers: Orders are securely shipped via DHL, FedEx, EMS, or Japan Post with full tracking. The courier is selected by the shop depending on the package size and destination; buyers cannot specify the carrier. 

• Urgent Orders: Express upgrades are available for an additional fee. Please message us before purchasing if you need your item by a specific date.

📦 MULTIPLE ITEMS & COMBINED SHIPPING

• If you purchase two or more treasures together, we always combine shipping whenever safe and possible. While this may save shipping costs, it is not guaranteed for every order (e.g., combining fragile antique porcelain with heavy ironware). Any realized shipping savings will be happily refunded to you after packaging.

🛡️ RETURNING AN ITEM

• We accept returns within 7 days of delivery. For returns due to buyer’s remorse or personal reasons (e.g., changed your mind), the buyer is responsible for all round-trip shipping costs (original shipping + return shipping) and any applicable processing fees. The refund will be processed once the item is returned safely in its original condition.

🌸 ANTIQUE & VINTAGE CONDITION NOTE

• Please note that our items are authentic antiques and vintage pieces. As they have traveled through history, they naturally carry signs of age, including scratches, minor wear, or stains. We take detailed photos of every angle; please examine all photos carefully to understand the current condition before placing your order.

FAQ

Q: Is this suitable for storing food?

A: The listing recommends the item for storing food as well as small items, but because it is an antique Meiji period artifact with a cracked lid, inspect surfaces and use liners for wet or hot foods; assess for your intended food-safety needs.

Q: Does the crack affect functionality?

A: The crack in the lid is noted in the condition description and photographs; it does not affect the stacking function or general usability as a two tiered food box or storage container.

Q: What makes this piece collectible?

A: Its Meiji era origin, hand painted stoneware appearance, octopus arabesque pattern, and blue white porcelain palette align with attributes sought in Meiji era ceramics and traditional jubako boxes, making it a collectible kitchen decor item and vintage storage jar alternative.

Q: Can it be used as a decorative storage piece?

A: Yes—this stacking ceramic container is well suited for use as a ceramic trinket keeper or decorative Japanese lunch box display, offering both practical storage and period character for collectors.