{"id":67729,"date":"2025-05-04T16:01:11","date_gmt":"2025-05-04T07:01:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/?post_type=product&p=67729"},"modified":"2025-05-20T17:44:07","modified_gmt":"2025-05-20T08:44:07","slug":"japanese-wooden-lacquer-box-tsuki-ni-gan-zubunko-17","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samuraimuseum.jp\/shop\/product\/japanese-wooden-lacquer-box-tsuki-ni-gan-zubunko-17\/","title":{"rendered":"Japanese wooden lacquer box- Tsuki ni Gan Zu
(Bunko-17)"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

Description<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\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 Bunko (document box) has a rectangular shape and is adorned throughout with elegant plant motifs. The wooden surface is finished with refined black lacquer, and the designs are executed using makie (\u8494\u7d75), a traditional Japanese lacquerware technique.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Makie is a time-honored technique with a history of around 1,200 years. It involves painting intricate designs on the lacquered surface with a fine brush, and before the lacquer dries, sprinkling gold powder over the design to create shimmering patterns. This method gives the piece a luxurious and graceful appearance, which is beautifully exemplified in this Bunko.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0In addition, the design incorporates the raden (\u87ba\u923f) technique, in which thinly sliced mother-of-pearl or abalone shell is inlaid into the lacquer surface. This adds an iridescent luster that changes with the angle of light, enhancing the decorative beauty of the piece. The combination of makie and raden results in a richly ornate and visually captivating work of art.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The design theme of the lid of this Bunko (document box) is \u201cWild Geese and the Moon\u201d (\u6708\u306b\u96c1, Tsuki ni Gan), a classical motif in Japanese art. It is believed to be inspired by Utagawa Hiroshige\u2019s woodblock print \u201cTsuki ni Gan,\u201d which depicts a serene autumn night scene with geese flying across a moonlit sky\u2014symbolizing transience, elegance, and the passage of time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0The sides of the box feature a motif of plovers (\u5343\u9ce5, chidori) combined with waves(\u6ce2, Nami). In Japanese tradition, this \u201cNami Chidori\u201d (wave and plover) pattern symbolizes a harmonious marriage and family safety, representing the idea of overcoming life\u2019s hardships together, just as plovers navigate stormy seas. The simplified and geometric arrangement of plovers is known as chidori-g\u014dshi (plover check), which resembles the Western \u201choundstooth\u201d pattern. The association with loyal couples remains even today in the phrase \u201coshidori f\u016bfu\u201d (loving couple), making this design an auspicious and well-loved pattern. It has been used since the Momoyama period, especially in kimono and textiles, and continues to be appreciated today.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Inside the box lid, a decorative motif of a Heian-era ox-drawn carriage, known as a \u201cGosho-guruma,\u201d is featured. In the Heian period (794\u20131185), such carriages were used only by the aristocracy and high-ranking court officials. As a result, the pattern came to represent nobility, prosperity, and high social status. Often, these motifs are accompanied by seasonal flowers or auspicious symbols. In this Bunko, the Gosho-guruma is decorated with pine trees and cranes, both of which are traditional symbols of good fortune and longevity in Japan. Together, they convey heartfelt wishes for a long and happy life.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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\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

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\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

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\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

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\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

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\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":"

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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-Tsuki ni Gan 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
40.0 cm \u00d7 31.0 cm \u00d7 18.0 cm<\/span><\/td>\n1,489 g<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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