Japanese Meiji Miniature Gold Maki-e Two-Tier Jūbako, circa 1890

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Japanese Meiji Miniature Gold Maki-e Two-Tier Jūbako, circa 1890

A diminutive Japanese Meiji-period stacking box, or jūbako (重箱), dating to … Read more Japanese Meiji Miniature Gold Maki-e Two-Tier Jūbako, circa 1890

A diminutive Japanese Meiji-period stacking box, or jūbako (重箱), dating to approximately 1880–1900. Constructed in wood, the miniature comprises two removable stacking compartments and a separate fitted lid, making it technically a nijū-jūbako—a two-tier box composed of three individual pieces.

Traditional full-sized jūbako were used to arrange and present food during New Year celebrations, seasonal festivals, and formal occasions. At only 1.25 inches high, this example was created as a collector’s miniature or possibly as hina-dōgu, finely crafted ceremonial utensils displayed during the Japanese Girls’ Festival.

The black-lacquered surfaces are densely decorated in gold hiramaki-e. A large butterfly appears prominently on the lid amid scrolling karakusa vines and floral or fruiting forms. The continuous design extends across the sides of both tiers, creating a unified composition when the box is assembled. Butterflies traditionally symbolized transformation, longevity, and marital happiness, while the continuously growing vines represented endurance, abundance, and continuing generations.

Fine gold bands define the lid and individual stacking sections. The interiors and undersides are finished in plain black lacquer, providing a restrained contrast to the elaborate exterior. Small metal rings mounted on opposing sides of the lower compartment retain remnants of red silk cord, originally intended to secure or carry the stacked components.

The miniature is unsigned and displays expected age-related wear, minor lacquer losses, and wear to the surviving red cords. All three components remain present and fit together correctly.

Dimensions: 1.25 in. H × 1.5 in. W × 1 in. D See less