Featured Japanese Letter Box with double family crests

So the second finest Japanese box in my collection has arrived this morning! Won from an online auction in Japan. A black lacquered fubako/ letter box this time, 34cm in length, painted with wrapped narcissus and camellia- both winter flowers to be noted.

But the biggest mystery is the two Kamon/family crests on the lid. The position and accuracy of them make me wonder if this could be a wedding gift or dowry piece? Will post more details in the comment section of my own research.


Any thoughts on age and purpose just let me know! If not, please just enjoy its beauty!

 

So the closest to the circled plum will be these two: precisely, the first one in a circle would be identical to mine

and for the triple fan: But the number of bones is also a variation which may lead to a different family or branch, as mine has ten bones in each fan.

I don’t have much idea how Kamon really works tho

 

@916Bulldogs123 Mikey may I ask your opinion on the Kamon please?

@808 raver it’s box time!

 

Also, as winter flowers, narcissus and camellia are still a rare match in Makie art as I don’t find historical examples. Only find is this bowl dated to end of Edo

 

I think your assumption is correct @shamster
Two different crests on the same item would mean a union of some sort. possible a marriage. I spoke with a Japanese friend of mine on this matter, and he agrees.
This box may have held a Union or Wedding certificate.
Beautiful box. You are lucky to have found it.

Mikey

 

Thank you so much Mikey! I know sometimes Kamon is just a decorative pattern, but if that’s genuine symbol of clans that would make it even more precious yes I am so glad to have won it

 

Beautiful.

Debora

 

Sometimes truth lies within a simple word, right? I totally agree

 

A comparison between my favorite two Fubakos
Have another, super cheap so not bothering taking it out from my cabinet

 

doesn't look that old to me , and it's cracked , so not a museum item either..

 

The piece screams late Edo.
I wouldn't hesitate saying the symbols are real, but as you know an expert would have to verify .
Good luck researching the clans. The one box I have with a Kamon turned out to be used by several clans.
Mikey

 

That was my impression too. So a nice oldie, and a timeless beauty.

 

Wow better than I thought… I always have problem dating Japanese lacquerware because sometimes the design is way too fashionable that I won’t be surprised to see on a modern piece!

I mean just look at these Edo pieces:

 

And the condition is often excellent too. I have seen perfect pieces from the 17th century.
But there are certain styles in certain periods, that helps. It has been too long since I studied Japanese lacquer designs to some degree, so my knowledge is more than rusty. Good to have Mikey on board.

 

Indeed! Even for this box of mine the lacquer is super smooth for a more than hundred years old object.

The best I can do so far is spotting some very delicate, shinny works from Meiji era. The rest nah. So I will ask knowledgeable people here, and always get surprised when I know it’s actually older!

 

Well, it's another stunner! Those crests are cool, too.

 

I won’t post a box not qualified as a stunner always the best in my collection!

 

Very beautiful box. I must admit the condition is unbelievable to me for something that old (I would have never guessed)

 

Also there’s actually a lot of scratches at the bottom, meaning it’s been used yet still well cared!

 

Off topic:
Just wondering, Shammie (because I am nosey). Do you have to pay import duties when you import something from Japan into China?