Description
This item is a Bento (弁当, lunch box). This Bento has a gorgeous appearance, painted entirely in black lacquer and decorated with the Makie (蒔絵) technique. The Makie is a typical Japanese lacquer art technique developed uniquely in Japan for about 1,200 years. Firstly, it needs to draw a picture with lacquer on the surface with a thin brush. Next, sprinkle the gold powder from above to show the pattern before the lacquer hardens. This technique makes a gorgeous and elegant look to works, as seen in this Bento.
The motif depicted on this Bento is the Awa (粟, millet). It is the oldest grain, which has been cultivated since the Jomon period (between c. 14,000 and 300 BC) and is believed to have been a staple food before the introduction of rice in Japan. Also, it is said that, since ancient times, millet has been considered a symbol of prosperity and fertility.
On the two bottles, two types of family crests and the combination of cherry blossoms (桜, Sakura) and the arabesque (唐草, Karakusa) patterns are depicted.
Cherry blossom is one of the seasonal things of spring, and it has been loved for a long time in Japan. Its pattern is designed not only for sword mountings but also for Kimono (着物, traditional Japanese costume) or furnishings. One theory says that the god of grain exists in cherry blossoms. Therefore, this flower pattern has been treated as the symbol of a plentiful harvest. People held a traditional custom under cherry blossom trees to pray for a bumper year in ancient times. It is said this is the origin of the cherry blossom viewing picnic today.
The Karakusa design is a pattern in which vine stems and leaves are twined and make curves. Since ivy has a strong vitality and grows without interruption, people regarded this design as a symbol of prosperity and longevity. In this way, such auspicious motifs decorate this Bento box.
As for the family crests depicted on each bottle, one is called the Hidari Mitsu-Domoe (左三つ巴). There are several theories about the origin of this 巴 (Tomoe) design. According to an idea, it was modeled on the shape of the Magatama (勾玉, comma-shaped bead), or it was based on the swirling of flowing water. It is also said that the Tomoe pattern comes from the Tomo (靹). It is a tool attached to the inside of the left wrist when shooting a bow to prevent the bowstring from hitting the arm or bracelet after shooting an arrow. The Tomoe pattern represents water, so people treated it as a talisman to prevent fire. It was often applied to the roof tiles of shrines. It is because people believed the Tomoe design would exorcize evil spirits. The design of two Magatama-shaped commas is called Futatsu-Tomoe (二つ巴), and the pattern with three commas is called Mitsu-Domoe (三つ巴), as seen here. It is said that the Sumikirikaku ni Mistu-Domoe pattern has been used for family crests of some feudal lords or a high ranking samurai in the direct service of the Tokugawa shogunate of feudal Japan.
The other one is the Chouji (丁子, clove) crest, and this design is especially called the Yatsu-Chouji (八つ丁子) as eight buds of the Chouji are arranged in a circle in the crest. The Chouji is a plant, and it represents happy marriage, good health, and longevity. It was introduced to Japan during the Heian period (794-1185), and was valued as a seasoning or a medicine from that time. The buds of this plant resemble nails, so the character “丁子” meaning nail came to be used. It was also counted as one of the seven treasures (七宝), and used as a family crest.
If the object is just for storing things, a simpler-designed box or plain box could also serve as a storage case. However, the occasion where such highly decorative utensils were used was probably a special meal, and this Bento box might have been used for some anniversary or celebration. We believe it is suitable for displaying in your room as interior decoration and would add color to your room.
*As this item is an antique, please check each photo and ensure its condition.
*Please keep in mind that one of the caps for the Sake bottle is missing.
【About us】
Samurai Museum is located in Tokyo, Japan, exhibiting antique artifacts related to the Samurai history. Samurai Museum Shop is the place for those who are interested in Japanese culture and craftsmanship. We deal with antique Samurai swords/armor, traditional crafts made in Japan and so on.
【Payment method】
We accept payment through Stripe (Credit card), PayPal, Apple Pay or ChromePay, all of which are secure payment methods. Also, you don’t need to make an account on Stripe for the checkout. If you prefer other payment method, please contact us. You may either pay in JPY, USD, AUD, CAD, EUR, CHF or GBP. The price is set in Japanese Yen. Prices in other currencies are automatically calculated based on the latest exchange rate.
【Antique Japanese item and Export process】
After receiving the full payment from you, we will apply for its export permit from the Board of Education to legally export the item to other countries. It normally takes around 2 to 4 weeks to receive this permit. And we would like you to expect at least 1.0 – 1.5 months for your order to arrive at your given address after you ordered.
【Shipping duration】
We normally ship via EMS (Express Mail Service) provided by Japan Post. It usually takes at least 5-14 days to deliver the package after you place an order. Time of delivery is estimated as accurately as possible by the carrier but does not take into account any delays beyond our control such as by inclement weather, post office holiday seasons.
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*If you like to make sure if EMS shipping is available to your country, please contact us.
【How to make sure the condition】
Please keep in mind that what you are going to purchase is an antique item. We uploaded high resolution photos for you to check its condition thoroughly. If you like to see more photos with different angles, please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to send them to you so that you can make informed decision.
It is essential for us to know that you are happy with your choice of antique item and we are prepared to use the best of our ability to serve you.
Would you like see some more antique items for sale? Please check the link below. We hope you can find your favorite item.
https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product-category/antique/
