{"id":67182,"date":"2025-04-19T16:14:23","date_gmt":"2025-04-19T07:14:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=67182"},"modified":"2025-04-21T22:09:45","modified_gmt":"2025-04-21T13:09:45","slug":"japanese-wooden-lacquer-box-shichifukujin-zubunko-16","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/japanese-wooden-lacquer-box-shichifukujin-zubunko-16\/","title":{"rendered":"Japanese wooden lacquer box-Shichifukujin Zu
(Bunko-16)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Title: Japanese wooden lacquer box-Shichifukujin Zu<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Description<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0\u00a0A Bunko (\u6587\u5eab) is a box used for storing books, personal belongings, or valuables, and is also known as a Bunko-bako (\u6587\u5eab\u7bb1). In Japan, there has long been a custom of storing important items in boxes, and along with this tradition, various decorative techniques for boxes have also developed over time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0This particular Bunko has a rectangular shape and is adorned all over with elegant plant motifs. The wooden surface is finished with refined black lacquer, and the designs are rendered using makie (\u8494\u7d75), a lacquer art technique unique to Japan. Makie is a traditional technique with a history of approximately 1,200 years. First, designs are painted onto the lacquered surface with a fine brush, and before the lacquer dries, gold powder is sprinkled over it to create shimmering patterns. This technique gives the work a luxurious and graceful appearance, which is beautifully exemplified in this Bunko.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The lid of this Bunko features a depiction of the Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin, \u4e03\u798f\u795e), a group of deities worshipped in Japan as bringers of good fortune. The seven gods include Ebisu, Daikokuten, Bishamonten, Benzaiten, Fukurokuju, Jur\u014djin, and Hotei. Each god represents different forms of blessings, such as prosperity in business, bountiful harvests, wealth, success in battle, wisdom and the arts, and longevity.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0On the surface of the lid, the gods are depicted in a playful and harmonious scene. The large figure in the upper left is Hotei, known for his round belly and large sack. In the center is Ebisu, holding a fishing rod and a sea bream. In the lower right, the figure manipulating threads is believed to be Fukurokuju, a symbol of longevity. The figure wearing Chinese-style armor is Bishamonten, the protector of warriors and divine treasures.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The sides of the box also feature symbols associated with each deity. The small mallet in the center represents Daikokuten\u2019s “magic mallet,” said to bring wealth. The fishing rod and sea bream symbolize Ebisu and reflect the idea of honest livelihood, reminiscent of the Chinese proverb, \u201cA nobleman fishes but does not trap.\u201d The lantern-like motif represents Bishamonten\u2019s pagoda, believed to hold sacred relics and bestow blessings. The war fan and large sack are attributes of Hotei, and the fan is also linked to the legend that Hotei was a historical figure who could tell fortunes. Additionally, the scroll tied to a staff symbolizes Buddhist sutras and represents knowledge and learning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The reverse side of the lid depicts a charming scene of Karako (\u5510\u5b50), or Chinese-style children, playing, rendered in makie and gold powder. One child holds a drum or a ball reminiscent of kemari (traditional Japanese kickball), while others carry fans and branch-like toys. They are dressed in ornate costumes and portrayed in a stylized, adorable manner. Originating from auspicious patterns of China\u2019s Ming dynasty, karako came to symbolize prosperity and happiness and were frequently used in Japanese lacquerware and ceramics during the Edo period.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0With its exquisite decoration and auspicious themes, this Bunko is a refined and delightfully playful work of art. It is not only ideal for storing letters, documents, or small items, but can also be enjoyed as an elegant interior decoration piece in your home.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0*As this item is an antique, please check each photo and ensure its condition.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
\n\"\"
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

\n

\u3010About us\u3011<\/span><\/strong>
\n\u00a0Samurai 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. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\u3010Payment method\u3011<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0We accept payment through Stripe<\/strong> (Credit card), PayPal<\/strong>, Apple Pay or ChromePay, all of which are secure payment methods. Also, you don\u2019t 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<\/strong>, USD<\/strong>, AUD<\/strong>, CAD<\/strong>, EUR<\/strong>, CHF<\/strong> or GBP<\/strong>. The price is set in Japanese Yen. Prices in other currencies are automatically calculated based on the latest exchange rate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u3010Shipping duration\u3011<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0We 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0We offer<\/span> Free International Shipping<\/strong><\/span> as long as we can ship your order by EMS. If you prefer other shipping carriers, please contact us.<\/span>
\n\u00a0We will inform you of the order’s tracking number via email. Please make sure you fill out your valid email address correctly.<\/span><\/p>\n

*If you like to make sure if EMS shipping is available to your country, please contact us.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u3010Antique Japanese item and Export process\u3011<\/strong>
\nAfter 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\u00a01.0 \u2013 1.5 months<\/strong>\u00a0for your order to arrive at your given address after you ordered.<\/p>\n

\u3010How to make sure the condition\u3011<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u00a0Please 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0It 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0Would you like see some more antique items for sale? Please check the link below. We hope you can find your favorite item.<\/span>
\nhttps:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product-category\/antique\/<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

Delivery Time<\/strong><\/span>: Approx. 1-1.5 months<\/strong><\/span>
\n*Delivery may take longer, depending on countries or holiday seasons.<\/span><\/p>\n

Title: Japanese wooden lacquer box-Shichifukujin Zu<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Material: wood, lacquer<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Size (Approx.)<\/span><\/td>\nWeight<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
39.0 cm \u00d7 32.5 cm \u00d7 13.0 cm<\/span><\/td>\n1,842 g<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

You can enlarge all the photos to see the detail of the item.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":67183,"template":"","meta":[],"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[137,72],"product_tag":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-67182","1":"product","2":"type-product","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"product_cat-urushi-lacquer-work","7":"product_cat-antique","9":"first","10":"instock","11":"shipping-taxable","12":"purchasable","13":"product-type-simple","14":"add-to-wishlist-after_add_to_cart","15":"customify-col","16":"product-has-gallery"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product\/67182","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/product"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/67183"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=67182"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"product_brand","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_brand?post=67182"},{"taxonomy":"product_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_cat?post=67182"},{"taxonomy":"product_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_tag?post=67182"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}