See VIDEO to appreciate this VINTAGE handmade Japanese box.  This vintage Japanese wooden storage box, made by Masuda Kiribako Co. in 1981, is a rare and unique piece. Crafted using traditional Japanese techniques without the use of hardware, this box is made of lightweight Paulownia wood, which is known for its insect-repelling properties. The finished smooth texture achieved by repeated careful polishing truly reflects the beauty of the beige light brown bamboo color of the Kiri wood. The box is medium to large and is best suited for keeping clothes, art works, jewelries, and other personal treasures. The cloth ribbon ties are dark brown in color and wrap through an opening on the bottom of the wooden box.  In Japan, these boxes are also used for storage of crafts, office supplies, kitchen tools, and as gift boxes for food and pottery -- and my favorite --- for giving a gift in. This Masu is made with a waterproof finish and is flame retardant. It can also be placed on top of cabinets to bring height to a room or layered for added effect. There is no Japanese writing on the box.  Penciled numbers on top of box, see pictures.  In Excellent condition -- item is over 40 years old. 

This vintage Japanese wooden storage box is a rare find, handcrafted by skilled craftsmen without the use of hardware using the traditional technique of crafting wood boxes. Easily can even store rice in these types of boxes or dried goods.  The box is best suited to keep clothes, art works, jewelries, and other personal treasures. The finished smooth texture, achieved by repeated careful polishing, truly reflects the beauty of this Masu, which is made with a waterproof finish. The box is large and versatile, with other uses in Japan including as gifts, for food, pottery, glassware, and even as book ends. Place it on top of cabinets to bring height to a room and layer them for a unique look. This vintage box was made in 1981 by Masuda Kiribako Co, a company well known for their hand-crafted gift boxes and containers made from Kiri wood. Measure 15" in height and 7" in width. Great condition!!

I lived in Japan for many many years and these boxes are not only vintage collections, but are also collected by those from Japan. I will be listing my entire collection of Japanese wood boxes -- so, if you are a collector, please feel free to follow: YouBeYou LLC


More about the Japanese wood box...........


The red square is called a "Honko" -- this is the signature of someone who is Japanese, I would suppose the artist him/herself. This vintage Japanese wooden storage box is a beautiful and functional piece made of Kiri wood, also known as Paulownia wood. The finished smooth texture, achieved by repeated careful polishing, truly reflects the beauty of this box. It is lightweight and contains ingredients that repel insects, making it best suited to keep clothes, art works, jewelries, and other personal treasures safe and secure. Crafted by Masuda Kiribako Co. using traditional Japanese techniques without the use of hardware, this handmade box is flame retardant and comes with a waterproof finish. It has been used for storage of crafts, office supplies, kitchen tools, and has other uses in Japan such as gifts, food, pottery, glassware, and book ends. This box is a true representation of Japanese craftsmanship and is sure to be a valuable addition to any collection. What a beautiful way to add to your decor!!  Almost 50 years old -- these truly last for 100's of years.  In great condition. I have listed a total of 17 of these on my Ebay store (and have even more to list!) if you would like to go check those out. Just put in the word "Japanese" in my store and you will find them quickly. YouBeYou LLC


THE BOX. In the West, one never really pays much attention to the box after receiving a gift or after making a purchase for oneself. It's simply there to hold the contents and then be thrown away. It doesn't really tell us anything about the contents other than possibly the status of the store. 

Not so for most Japanese goods. Wrapping in Japan is a very serious business. The box for most artwork is a work of art in itself and often has splendid calligraphy written by the potter.


Paulownia wood （called " Kiri " in Japanese ）has long been revered as a tree of good fortune and happiness. Since ancient times, Japan has had a culture of storing important items in paulownia wooden boxes called "KIRIBAKO" （ Kiri box）. KIRIBAKO has been used to store kimonos, vessels, hanging scrolls, hina dolls, umbilical cords, and so on.

Paulownia wood has a less shrinkage and deviation, so making it suitable for long-term storage and preservation of important items even in the four seasons of Japan, as it is less susceptible to outside temperature and humidity. It also has lightness and cushioning properties that keep items fresh and prevent them from losing their shape. Paulownia wooden boxes have come to be valued not only for storage, but also as gift boxes.


This is a pre-owned item and I take great care to accurately describe the item but please see the pictures for full details. While we do our best to list every item in detail, these are vintage and pre-owned items and some flaws are to be expected. Please see all photos/ video as they are a large part of the description of our items. 

 

I have additional similar items that I have yet to list that you may be interested in.  Feel free to follow my store (YouBeYou LLC) to see those when posted.  


Please see all photos/ video as they are a large part of the description of our items.

 

I strive to make every purchase a pleasant experience. Please feel confidence in you purchase that I'll make every effort to correct any issues that may arise. If used, there are always some sign of wear -- well, because it is used, vintage, or antique. All items are used -- Each item is inspected for quality.

 

Thank you for supporting a small business like ours!

 

(Note: pictures may include measurements and some have a video.)