Jubako (stackable boxes) in sometsuke (underglaze blue) porcelain, with bird and plum blossom decoration, Meiji era

This remarkable 1883 piece (Meiji era, 1868 – 1912) illustrates the refinement of Japanese decorative arts at the end of the 19th century. Crafted in Imari porcelain and decorated using the sometsuke (underglaze blue) technique, this jubako (Japanese stacking box) with four compartments topped by a lid combines the elegance of its decor with the sobriety of its blue and white palette. Both a collector’s item and a decorative piece, it retains a surprisingly contemporary presence today, while testifying to the craftsmanship of the great Japanese porcelain workshops of this period.

Technique and decor

This piece is made of Imari porcelain decorated using the sometsuke (underglaze blue) technique, one of the most iconic processes in Japanese ceramics. The decor is applied with cobalt directly onto the raw porcelain before being covered with a transparent glaze and then fired at a high temperature. The firing then reveals the different shades of blue, ranging from almost translucent washes to bolder accents.

The term Imari refers to porcelain produced in the Arita region, in the present-day Saga Prefecture, and historically shipped from the port of Imari, which gave it its name. During the Meiji era (1868-1912), this porcelain tradition remained one of the great hallmarks of Japanese ceramic craftsmanship, for both the domestic market and collectors alike. Decor executed solely in cobalt blue on a white background counts among the most appreciated expressions of this production, combining virtuosity of design with elegance of composition.

During the Meiji era, Japanese porcelain workshops perpetuated an already ancient tradition while developing high-quality pieces intended for both daily use and more prestigious commissions. Mastery of underglaze drawing was then a particularly sought-after mark of craftsmanship. The execution of this jubako perfectly illustrates this quest for precision and balance.

The decor unfolds continuously across the four compartments and the lid, forming a unique composition that is fully revealed when the jubako is assembled. A bird appears among the branches of a plum tree (ume) in bloom. In Japanese culture, the ume is associated with spring, perseverance, and renewal. The drawing makes refined use of the different intensities of cobalt, alternating broad passages of shaded blue with more delicate strokes for the branches, flowers, and foliage. This mastery of the decor lends the whole depth, movement, and visual coherence.

The shape itself contributes to the visual strength of the object, which is also heavy. The four compartments are topped by a strongly curved lid whose silhouette follows the development of the decor. The lower compartment rests on four integrated feet that ensure stability and elevation while reinforcing the architectural silhouette of the piece.

Traditionally, a jubako (box with stacked compartments) is used during festive meals to present various culinary preparations distributed across several compartments. Today, this antique piece is primarily a remarkable collector's item. Its blue and white decor, of great sobriety, gives it a visual presence that is both very Japanese and surprisingly contemporary. It can naturally be presented as a decorative work in its own right, but also find daily use as a storage box to hold various objects.

Presentation

This heavy piece comes with its very beautiful jidaibako (period box) made to measure. The inscription on the box mentions the date Meiji 16, which corresponds to 1883.

Practical information

Place of manufacture
Japan

Dimensions
Height 26.8 cm - Width 16.4 cm - Depth 16.4 cm

Weight
Jubako and protective box: 5.1 kg

Materials
Imari porcelain

Period
1883 - Meiji Era (1868-1912)

Condition
In good condition but showing some marks of time consistent with its age, which fully contribute to its character (small spots and scratches). This jubako can be viewed in Paris by appointment for acquisition (contact@atelierikiwa.com).