Japanese Fubako

A bako is always ‘box’ in Japanese. This particular style of box is for letters or scrolls.  Letters in Japan are usually rolled up and then tied with a ribbon, hence we would tend to call them a scroll.  The fubako was used to transport the ‘scroll’, acting as a gift for the recipient.    It’s meticulous decoration would usually reflect the significance of the documents it contained. 

 

From the Edo period, such boxes were usually incorporated into a bride’s trousseau, often decorated with in gold hiramakie - lacquer in low relief, depicting the mon - coat of arms, of the two families. 

 

As I’ve not mastered the art of Japanese lacquer, I’ve used a parquetry design of teak diamonds enhanced with mother of pearl stringing and dots, with walnut edging. 
 

 

My Fubako is made from veneered marine ply. It has a domed lift off lid secured with the usual obi - kimono sash.  The inside, decorated with sprinkled gold dust on walnut veneer, has a shallow lift-out tray.

The parquetry design of teak diamonds enhanced with mother of pearl stringing and dots, with walnut edging matches the rest of the ‘trousseau’ items that I have made over the years - see below.   

Thanks for looking.  Please ask if you have any questions.