Antique Japanese Black Lacquer Buddhist FUMIBAKO (Document Box) with Gold Maki-e Design | Meiji Period

Dimensions: 4-0”h x 3-7/8”w x 16-0”l

Offered is a Japanese antique Japanese maki-e (gold motif and high gloss black lacquer) document box, (Fumibako), showcasing a harmonious blend of artistic craftsmanship and functionality. These embellishments gleam beautifully against the black lacquer, offering a captivating interplay of light and shadow that changes with the viewer’s perspective. This decorative Japanese technique features mons of ‘Myoga’ ginger, (A common motif for family crests and associated with military furnishings and Buddhism for the auspicious connotations of Myoga derives from the fact that its name is homonymic for “divine protection), and leafed vines throughout which increase the contrast of the outer surfaces, capturing the beauty of nature with remarkable precision, while the gold and silver accents create a sense of depth and movement.

The technique for which the greatest beauty of lacquer is that it was used to decorate the most precious of objects for religious figures, samurai, and wealthy citizens. The interior contains its original removable shallow tray for storage with a hidden box interior with a finger cutout at the base for removal. It has two gold-fitted ring clasps on the sides of the bottom section with a decorative orange tassel attached to the fastening cord adds a striking touch and is used to tie both sections (lid and base container) together, thus enhancing the overall elegance and warmth of the piece.

The piece is housed in its original Kiri, (Paulownia) box, with its storage straps, and was used to present precious treasures and to protect beautiful objects from humidity. While not considered a common storage box, it continued to play an important role to Japanese people. Having its original signed handmade box inscribed with "FUMIBAKO”, with the artist's signature and identification of the maker further enhances the historical value and authenticity of the piece, offering insights into its origins and the reverence with which it was stored makes this piece.

Antique Condition: The condition of the box is mint and remarkably well-preserved, with the lacquer retaining its original luster and the maki-e decorations remaining vibrant and intact, no corner separations, no loss of the base lacquer or gold motif, and without dings on any interior or exterior surface. There are no significant signs of damage or wear, attesting to the careful handling and preservation over the years. This document box serves as a practical container holding important documents and a testament to the aesthetic sensibilities and advanced techniques of Japanese lacquer art. As a rare and highly collectible piece, it encapsulates the harmony of natural beauty and skilled craftsmanship, making it a valuable item for collectors and scholars of Japanese traditional arts.

Note: Maki-e is a distinctive Japanese lacquerware technique said to have developed around 1200 years ago. Japanese artisans employed skills and techniques handed down usually through family lines that involved using a fine brush to paint a picture, patterns, and letters with lacquer on the surface of a vessel creating a design.