Japanese Jubako Two Tier Lacquer Stacking Box Red Maple Leaf Divider Bento

A Japanese two tier stacking box, or jubako, in black lacquer with a dry brushed grain effect across every face, a fine vermilion line at each rim, and a small red maple leaf painted on the lid and repeated on the tiers. The upper tier holds a removable cross divider that splits it into compartments; the lower tier is open. It comes in a plain wood storage box.  The jubako is the box that carries osechi ryori, the cold New Year food that a household prepares in advance so that nobody has to cook during the first days of the year. Each tier holds a different category of dish and the divider keeps flavours and sauces apart, which is why the compartments are sized differently rather than evenly. Stacking is the other half of the idea: the tiers nest into a single sealed block for carrying, and the lid only fits the top, so the set has to be assembled in the right order. The maple leaf is an autumn motif, one of the standard seasonal markers in Japanese decorative work.  Condition is very good. The lacquer is glossy and complete with no flaking, splits or heat marks found, the divider is present and fits cleanly, and the tiers stack square. The dry brushed finish shows light rubbing at the corners consistent with use. The wood storage box is sound and lightly age toned.  Measured against a rule the stacked box stands about four inches tall.