Jūbako, Meiji Imari Stacking Tiered Box | Hand-Painted Porcelain | H19.5cm X W16cm, Three-Tier

Made in the Meiji period, this three-tier porcelain set—an Antique Japanese Jubako—exhibits hand-painted Imari ware motifs in rich red, indigo and remnants of gilt, with rounded tiers that stack vertically for compact decorative storage. Each tier repeats framed panels depicting guardian lions and peaches, surrounded by arabesque scrollwork, peony blossoms, lotus-petal base details, and a raimon fret around the lid rim. Though brushwork reads slightly naive and shows age through surface cracks, tiny chips, and worn gilding, the piece remains structurally sound and ready for use as a unique jewelry box, decorative storage, or display of Asian art decor collectible.

Description

This round antique stacking tiered box was originally used as a food container and carries the old Imari ware character typical of the Meiji era. The hand-painted panels show guardian lions and peaches framed by floral pottery motifs and arabesque scrollwork, set against a red ground with indigo borders. A crown of lotus petals decorates the base while a raimon fret encircles the lid rim. The painted blue and red palette with traces of gilt reflects fine blue porcelain techniques adapted into a domestic stacking lunch box form.

Condition & practical use

Wear consistent with age is visible: surface cracks and scratches across the glaze, worn gilded accents, and a few tiny chips that do not compromise stacking or daily use. While newer mass-produced stacked boxes exist, this hand-drawn Antique Japanese Jubako retains a gentle, characterful brushwork and is suitable for light storage of accessories, make-up, jewelry, or as an Oriental trinket dish and display piece in Asian art decor settings.

Care & display

Handle porcelain with care; avoid sudden temperature changes and long exposure to moisture. For cleaning, gently wipe with a soft, dry cloth or use a slightly damp cloth and dry immediately. Given the Meiji-era age and delicate gilt traces, avoid abrasive cleaners and dishwashers. Display on a stable surface or in a glass cabinet to preserve remaining pigments and prevent further wear.

What’s included

One three-tier hand-painted porcelain jubako (as pictured). No additional stands or liners are included.

🌐 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 jubako functional as a food container?

A: Originally designed as a vintage food box and stacking lunch box, the jubako can hold dry items. Due to age-related surface cracks and worn gilding, we recommend using it for decorative storage, accessories, or as a unique jewelry box rather than daily food service.

Q: Does the piece qualify as Imari ware or fine blue porcelain?

A: The piece is described as old Imari ware from the Meiji era and displays fine blue porcelain painting combined with red grounds and gilt accents typical of Imari-style ceramics.

Q: Are the cracks and chips structural problems?

A: The listing notes surface cracks, small scratches, and a few tiny chips but confirms no major damage; the tiers stack and function as intended for decorative storage.

Q: Can I return the jubako if condition is different than described?

A: Please refer to the shop’s return policy at checkout. The item description documents condition details to help set accurate expectations.