Large 4-Tier Lacquer Jūbako (Stacking Box) with Gold Maki-e Plum Blossom Design - Japan - Meiji / - Lacquer - Shōwa period (1926-1989)

This large 4-tier lacquer Jūbako is a traditional Japanese stacking box often used for special occasions, such as New Year's celebrations (Osechi) or gatherings. Crafted during the Showa period (1926-1989), with design roots likely extending to the Meiji era, it features exquisite gold maki-e decoration illustrating plum blossoms—a symbol of perseverance, renewal, and beauty in Japanese culture. Lacquerware involves coating wood with layers of refined sap from the urushi tree, producing a durable, glossy finish appreciated for its aesthetic and protective qualities. Multi-tiered Jūbako allow for the elegant presentation and storage of various foods and gifts, reflecting Japanese values of harmony, seasonality, and hospitality. This object represents both functional art and cultural tradition, embodying centuries of craftsmanship and symbolic meaning.