Aizu Lacquer Three-Tier Jubako, Hand-Painted Aizu-e Pine-Bamboo-Plum, Tame and Vermilion

A three-tier natural-wood jubako from Aizu, hand-lacquered in translucent amber "tame" with a vermilion interior and hand-painted in the traditional Aizu-e style with pine, bamboo and plum.

Aizu lacquerware from Fukushima was promoted by the Aizu domain, whose innovations made it fine enough to be exported to China and the Netherlands; today it is a designated traditional craft known for techniques from maki-e and raden to the glossy hana-nuri finish. Aizu-e is the region's own painted decoration, here the celebratory "Three Friends of Winter." Coated and painted entirely by hand, the box comes with one divider and is ideal for the New Year osechi feast, gatherings and celebrations.

Details

• Origin: Aizu lacquerware (会津漆器), Fukushima
• Materials: natural wood, hand-applied urushi; hand-painted Aizu-e
• Colours: tame (amber) exterior, vermilion interior
• Size: 16 × 16 × 16 cm (packed 18 × 18 × 18.5 cm); one divider included
• Box: presentation box (keshō-bako)
• Condition: new

Watch: Aizu lacquerware and its makers

A Pola Foundation for Japanese Traditional Culture film on the Aizu Lacquerware Cooperative's work to preserve Aizu lacquer. (A general craft video — not this piece or maker.)

Please read before ordering

• Limited availability. We confirm availability with the dealer in Japan within one business day of your order; if it has sold we refund in full immediately.
• Ships from New Jersey in 2–3 weeks. Price includes all import duties. Fully insured, signature required.
• Urushi lacquer is durable but dislikes direct sun and very dry air; care notes are included.