A dazzling five-tiered jûbako 重箱 (tiered food container/stacked picnic box) with two covers. This rectangular box is richly adorned with larger pieces of mother-of-pearl 螺鈿 (raden) inlays in iridescent shades of blue and white. A portion of the covers is left uninlaid, forming a sleek, clear black lacquered circle. The interior is elegantly coated with crimson red lacquer and the rims are finished with raden inlay as well. Period: Japan – Meiji period (1868-1912). Dimensions: Height 38.1 cm, Length 22.6 cm, Depth 21.1 cm. Considering its age, it is in very good condition with some traces of wear consistent with its age. One corner of the cover has a few missing inlay pieces. Please refer to the photos for a clear condition reference. Hanami, as a major festival celebrating one of the four seasons, came to be associated with tiered food boxes called jûbako. Often made of lacquered wood, the tradition of stacking them was not only for functionality but also to symbolize the desire for good fortune to “accumulate.” When shipped we will add a certificate of authenticity.