Moon and Chrysanthemum Jubako Bento Box

Chrysanthemums unfold in shimmering gold, blooming quietly beneath an unseen moon. Their petals, etched with delicate precision, come to life across a surface so smooth and dark it seems to hold its own reflection. This two-tier jubako bento box is adorned with the work of Takade Eiji, a master of chinkin—the centuries-old art of engraving lacquer and filling each incision with gold leaf and gold powder.

Crafted entirely by hand, the chinkin embellishment is the soul of this piece. A single band of chrysanthemums, carved line by line with a fine blade, drifts across the jet-black surface like a stream of golden light. Every petal and leaf holds depth and texture—each stroke capturing a fleeting moment of seasonal beauty. The lacquer, polished to a mirror-like gloss, subtly reflects its surroundings—like still water catching the image of the moon. From a distance, the gold gleams softly; up close, the intricacy unfurls like a flower at the height of its bloom.

Beneath the gold lies a foundation of true Wajima lacquerware—crafted entirely from natural lacquer, built up in many layers, and polished with precision. The bold, minimalist form is paired with an interior of deep vermilion, offering a vivid contrast that turns each tier into a striking stage for celebratory fare.

Traditionally used to present osechi ryori during the Japanese New Year, this piece, however, transcends its seasonal origins. Whether brought out for special family gatherings or meaningful milestones, it becomes part of the moment—marking time with its presence. As the years pass, the lacquer matures, the ornamentation mellows, and the box takes on a warmth uniquely its own. More than a vessel, it is an heirloom in the making—a lasting expression of chinkin artistry and Wajima craftsmanship that can be passed down and appreciated for generations to come.

Takade Eiji

Sur la surface immaculée des laques de Wajima, le maître artisan Takade Eiji sculpte un monde d'or à coups précis de ses nombreux ciseaux. Depuis plus de cinquante ans, il se consacre à chinkin, un artisanat méticuleux qui embellit les laques de lignes et de points finement sculptés, incrustés d'or. Ce savoir-faire ajoute une touche de raffinement et de complexité. Ses œuvres témoignent d'une vie de savoir-faire, de patience et d'un dévouement indéfectible. Pourtant, Takade reste un artisan humble, soucieux de mener chaque pièce à son aboutissement.

Laque de Wajima

La laque de Wajima, l'une des plus prestigieuses du Japon, est originaire de la ville de Wajima, nichée au nord-ouest de la péninsule de Noto. Cet artisanat prestigieux, florissant depuis l'époque d'Edo (1603-1868) , se distingue par la richesse de ses fondations et de ses ornements décoratifs, gage d'excellence tant esthétique que fonctionnelle.  

Avec un processus de fabrication remarquable, une laque somptueuse et des décorations exquises, la laque de Wajima vous plonge dans l'univers fascinant de l'art de Wajima. Classée Bien culturel immatériel important en 1975, la laque de Wajima poursuit avec grâce son évolution tout en préservant la richesse de ses traditions ancestrales.