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Kishū Lacquer Jubako Box – Three-Tier Bento Elegance in Bloom

Product Description

This Kishū Lacquer Jubako Box transforms any meal into a ceremonial experience. With its deep black finish, delicately framed with vermilion highlights, and its layered floral design featuring plum and sakura blossoms within a golden fan motif, it reflects the full sophistication of traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

Made using time-honored Negoro-nuri methods in the Kishū region, the three compartments are perfect for osechi (New Year's cuisine), seasonal gatherings, or as a high-end food presentation piece. Crafted from durable resin and hand-lacquered in multiple coats, it is both food-safe and visually captivating.

Measuring approximately 7.1 x 7.1 x 6.7 inches (18 × 18 × 17 cm), this jubako box offers ample space for a full-course bento or elegant party servings. A functional heirloom for those who appreciate the union of culinary tradition and aesthetic grace.

Product Information
  • Type: Three-tier jubako box
  • Size: Approx. 7.1 x 7.1 x 6.7 in (18 × 18 × 17 cm)
  • Material: Resin composite
  • Finish: Urethane lacquer with hand-painted decoration
  • Color: Black with red accents and sakura floral motifs
  • Origin: Wakayama Prefecture, Japan
  • Craft Style: Kishū lacquerware (紀州漆器)
Care instructions
  • Cleaning: Gently hand wash with a soft sponge and mild soap. Do not use abrasive scrubbers.
  • Drying: Wipe completely dry with a soft cloth after cleaning.
  • Usage Note: Not suitable for microwave, dishwasher, or oven. Avoid exposure to direct heat or UV.
  • Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid stacking heavy items on top.
  • Natural Characteristics: As with all lacquerware, subtle variations in brushwork and color are part of its handcrafted charm.
Note

Every piece crafted by our artisans tells a unique story.
Subtle marks, slight irregularities in shape, variations in glaze color and texture—these natural differences give each creation its own soul.
Over time, as you use your pieces, their character deepens, becoming part of your daily life and memories.

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Negoro-nuri: The Timeless Beauty of Wear

Among the most distinguished styles of Kishu lacquerware is Negoro-nuri, renowned for its evocative contrast between vermillion red and black. This technique is said to have originated at Negoro-ji Temple in Iwade City, where monks coated everyday utensils with black lacquer over a red foundation.

Through daily use, the surface gradually wore down, allowing the red underlayer to emerge naturally from beneath the black. This unintentional transformation created a nuanced, aged appearance that came to embody wabi-sabi—an appreciation of impermanence and quiet elegance.

Negoro-nuri is characterized by a thick, resilient lacquer surface designed to endure generations of use. As time passes, the visual shift from black to red unfolds subtly, imparting a sense of depth, movement, and spiritual warmth. This graceful aging process is at the heart of Negoro-nuri’s enduring allure.

FAQs

All you need to know about Negoro-nuri Lacquerware.

What makes Negoro-nuri different from other types of Japanese lacquerware?

Negoro-nuri is unique for its layered red-and-black finish. A red undercoat is covered with black lacquer, and over time, natural wear reveals the red beneath. This creates a dynamic, aged look that evolves with use, embodying the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi—beauty in imperfection and impermanence.

Is the red-and-black contrast in Negoro-nuri intentional or accidental?

Originally, the contrast was a result of daily wear—monks at Negoro-ji Temple used these items so frequently that the top black lacquer wore away. Over time, artisans began to refine and replicate this aged effect intentionally, appreciating its quiet elegance and spiritual symbolism.

Is Negoro-nuri lacquerware durable enough for everyday use?

Yes. One of the hallmarks of Negoro-nuri is its durability. The lacquer is applied in thick, resilient layers, making it resistant to moisture and wear. In fact, its evolving appearance is enhanced by regular use, rather than diminished.

What is the historical significance of Negoro-ji Temple in the development of this style?

Negoro-nuri is named after Negoro-ji, a temple in Iwade City, Wakayama Prefecture, where the technique is believed to have originated. Monks there created practical lacquerware that aged beautifully through daily use, inadvertently giving rise to one of Japan’s most poetic lacquer traditions.

How should I care for Negoro-nuri lacquerware to preserve its beauty?

Avoid harsh detergents, extreme heat, and prolonged soaking. Gently hand-wash with mild soap and a soft cloth. With time and careful handling, the piece will develop an even richer patina—part of what makes Negoro-nuri so cherished among collectors and tea practitioners.