Sold 13 March 2026 · Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

This “Japanese Meiji (Late 19thc) Lacquer Letter Box (Fubako)” found a buyer.

It was listed by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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Black and Gold Box Japanese Meiji Box Japanese Wood Box Ask the dealer for something similar

Description

Japanese Meiji (late 19thC) lacquer letter box (fubako) decorated with gold lacquer pine, bamboo and plum design, with nashiji (pear skin) interior. Ca. 24.5cm long x 8.5cm wide x 5cm high, weight 200g.

Very good condition.

Date of Manufacture

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this Japanese Lacquer Letter Box to the 19th Century.

Physical Dimensions

Height

5cm (1.97")

Width

24.5cm (9.65")

Depth

8.5cm (3.35")

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1164659

Dealers Internal Reference

AD1290

Description

Very good condition.

Date of Manufacture

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this Japanese Lacquer Letter Box to the 19th Century.

Physical Dimensions

Height

5cm (1.97")

Width

24.5cm (9.65")

Depth

8.5cm (3.35")

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1164659

Dealers Internal Ref

AD1290

About the Dealer

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2021

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art Profile Page

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A rectangular black lacquer letter box decorated with gold floral motifs and secured with an orange silk cord and tassels.

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Archive I

Japanese Meiji (Late 19thc) Lacquer Letter Box (Fubako)

Archive II

A rectangular black lacquer letter box decorated with gold floral motifs and secured with an orange silk cord and tassels. View II

Archive III

A rectangular black lacquer letter box decorated with gold floral motifs and secured with an orange silk cord and tassels. View III

Archive IV

A rectangular black lacquer letter box decorated with gold floral motifs and secured with an orange silk cord and tassels. View IV

Archive V

A rectangular black lacquer letter box decorated with gold floral motifs and secured with an orange silk cord and tassels. View V

Archive VI

A rectangular black lacquer letter box decorated with gold floral motifs and secured with an orange silk cord and tassels. View VI

Archive VII

A rectangular black lacquer letter box decorated with gold floral motifs and secured with an orange silk cord and tassels. View VII

Archive VIII

A rectangular black lacquer letter box decorated with gold floral motifs and secured with an orange silk cord and tassels. View VIII

Archive IX

A rectangular black lacquer letter box decorated with gold floral motifs and secured with an orange silk cord and tassels. View IX

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Telephone 07975 614592

Location

Bath
Somerset
United Kingdom

Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/antikdragon

Verified Since Oct 2021

Items For Sale 35

Items Sold 783

Email Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Japanese Meiji (late 19thC) Lacquer Letter Box (fubako)

Ref: SA1164659

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Cataloguer’s Note

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

Object[Boxes]
Period19th century
Style[Meiji]
Material[Wood, Lacquer, Gold powder, Silk cord]
Colour[Black]
MotifsGold maki-e botanical motifs, Silk fastening cord, Tassels
SizeH 5 cm (2 in) x W 24.5 cm (10 in) x D 8.5 cm (3 in)

FAQs

A fubako is a traditional Japanese letter or document box historically used by nobility and samurai to transport and store rolled letters, calligraphic scrolls, and official correspondence securely.

Meiji period lacquerware is crafted from a wood base coated with multiple layers of sap from the lacquer tree, often decorated using the maki-e technique, where gold or silver powder is sprinkled onto wet lacquer.

Authentic antique lacquer boxes typically exhibit hand-carved wood cores, natural sap-based finishes with fine age-related craquelure or wear, and traditional maki-e metallic detailing rather than modern screen printing.

An antique lacquer box serves as an elegant accent piece on a coffee table, console, or bookshelf, adding a refined textural element and cultural depth to neutral or minimalist modern interiors.

Antique lacquer should be kept out of direct sunlight to prevent fading and cracking, dusted gently with a soft dry cloth, and maintained in stable humidity conditions away from extreme heat.