Contemporary urushi lacquer tiered box (Jubako) from Jōbōji

This round, two-tiered box is made by a small workshop located in Hachimantai, in the northern part of Iwate Prefecture, the historic heart of Japan's first urushi lacquer-producing region. A legacy of exceptional craftsmanship dating back to the 7th century, this area, around Jōbōji, is still renowned today for the purity and remarkable quality of its lacquer, used by the most demanding artisans.

At the head of this workshop, which is female (which is rather rare), a know-how passed down through several generations is perpetuated, in a discreet but passionate commitment to the demanding art of urushi lacquer. Entirely crafted from Japanese horse chestnut wood, this box has a simple and contemporary silhouette, punctuated by fine undulations that give it lightness and elegance.

The surface reveals a deep black lacquer, whose red highlights appear subtly under the light. This effect is achieved by applying layers of red urushi lacquer (shu urushi), covered with layers of natural black lacquer, carefully hand-polished using traditional methods. This layering creates a unique depth, where the red tones seem to vibrate beneath the soft shine of the surface. It takes several months of work to achieve this result.

The lacquer used comes from the lacquer tree plantations of Jōbōji, an iconic village recognized as one of the last centers of pure urushi lacquer production in Japan. Harvested locally from preserved forests, this lacquer is renowned for its exceptional quality, purity, and durability. Historically, Jōbōji lacquer was reserved for the most precious objects, particularly for repairs to sacred objects in temples, and today remains a mark of rare quality, acclaimed by the best Japanese workshops.

This contemporary jubako, featuring two compartments and a lid, offers great versatility: it's ideal for elegantly displaying sweet treats or as a decorative box. Its incredibly soft texture also speaks to the exceptional quality of this piece.