Japanese picnic box set. Antique Circa 1867. (with sake Vessel) In original Box

Jubako Bento – (Japanese Tiered Picnic Bento)

This is a rare find. It is in an antique Japanese picnic bento box complete with its original traveling box. It includes a total of Five lacquer boxes of various sizes. One of the boxes is made for the sake to be poured from with an extendable bronze spout and air hole. There is a draw below as per the images.

A jubako such as this is made of Japanese sugi (cryptomeria) wood. It is well made with all wooden pin construction and has its original 20 coats of Japanese black lacquer finish. It comes with two original fitted lids to cover the food when served. All levels nest together nicely. The whole carrying frame fits perfectly into the original red-brown cryptomeria wood storage box with a lid.

Used in Japan during the Heian period (794-1185), Jubako Bento (重箱) means “Layered Bento Boxes”. Similar to bento boxes they are a combination of elaborately decorated lacquered boxes used for holding and presenting food on outings or special occasions.

The upper classes traditionally used Jubako Bento to hold takeaway meals for picnics, birthdays, celebrations, and special occasions. They were stacked before and after serving the dinner and also used for holding Osechi-ryōri (御節料理) foods in for traditional Japanese New Year celebrations.

Having been used lovingly and stored for most of that past century, it remains in fine antique condition. Note some minor nicks, scuffs, and separation at the seams to the original lacquer finish (see pictures close up)