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Updated: 29 Mar 2024

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Japanese wooden lacquer box-Bunko Souryu Zu (Bunko-08)

$792.77

Title: Japanese wooden lacquer box-Bunko Souryu Zu

Signature: SIGNED but cannot be read
Material: wood, lacquer

Size (Approx.) Weight
38.5 cm × 26.0 cm × 12.0 cm 1,588 g

You can enlarge all the photos to see the detail of the item.

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SKU: Bunko-08 Categories: ,

Title: Japanese wooden lacquer box-Bunko Souryu Zu

Description
 A Bunko (文庫) is a type of box, and it is also called the Bunko Bako (文庫箱). It has been used to store books, personal belongings, or valuables. Since ancient times, Japanese people have put essential things in boxes customarily. And they developed various techniques to decorate packages.

 This box has a rectangular shape, and the entire surface of its lid is decorated with ornate carvings. We believe the theme of this design is the Souryu Zu (双龍図): a combination of two dragons. Two dragons face each other and have menacing expressions. Even small details are carefully engraved; you would enjoy the expert proficiency of its maker. Their bodies are covered with clouds here and there, so it could be inferred that they are floating in the sky. In addition, the wave pattern is also depicted in the background, suggesting that they are above the sea.

 Initially, the dragon was an imaginary creature found in ancient foreign traditions or myths. Furthermore, it is regarded as a symbolic beast of auspicious signs. Its body is likened to nine animals: antlers are deer, the head is a camel, eyes are demons, the neck is a snake, the belly is the Mizuchi (蛟, a mythical animal in Japan that looks like a snake and has a horn and four legs), scales are fish, claws are falcons, palms are tigers, and ears are cows. It was thought that the dragon would reign at the top of all animals because of its odd-looking appearance.

 Clouds bring rain and snow, and their movements significantly affect the day’s weather. Due to its supernatural power, a theory says that gods, spirits, and dragons dwell in the clouds.

 The wave pattern that is designed on this Bunko seems to be the Seigaiha (青海波) pattern. It is a continuous geometric pattern that expresses the shape of waves with regular semicircles. According to a theory, this design symbolizes the benefits of the vast sea. This infinite wave pattern is an auspicious pattern. People used it, wishing eternal happiness and peaceful lives for the future.

 In Japan, a belief worships the dragon as the water god. Clouds bring blessed rain, and waves are water itself. Therefore, a combination of dragons and clouds or waves is an understandable design.

 This Bunko would be fit to store letters, documents, and other small items. You could also display it to enjoy as one of the interior decorations in your room.

 *As this item is an antique, please check each photo and ensure its condition.




【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. 

【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.

 We offer Free International Shipping as long as we can ship your order by EMS. If you prefer other shipping carriers, please contact us.
 We will inform you of the order’s tracking number via email. Please make sure you fill out your valid email address correctly.

*Please keep in mind that due to the spread of COVID-19, there might be possible delays in delivery. 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 Bunko 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/

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