Five-compartment Jubako Box, Japan, Circa 1920-1940.

Five-compartment jubako box, Japan, circa 1920-1940. This jubako consists of five stacked modules, each with two lids. This structure allows the box to be divided into two separate stacks: one with three compartments, the other with two, each with its own lid. This modularity is explained by the ceremonial use of jubako, food boxes reserved for major celebrations such as New Year's or Tango no Sekku, the boys' festival. Depending on the number of guests or the nature of the food, all or part of the compartments were used. The decoration is of very fine quality, applied with gold powder and leaf, with vermillion highlights on a deep black lacquer. It represents votive objects associated with the New Year and the boys' festival: carp, helmet, miniature sword, lobster, and symbolic plants. The inside and back of the lids are lacquered in red, decorated with a Noh mask in lacquer in different shades of gold. Little used during the year, carefully stored in their original protective box, these jubako have retained exceptional condition. Dimensions: 22 cm wide, 23 cm long. Stack of three compartments + lid: 24 cm high; stack of two + lid: 14 cm.