Authentic 1970s Japanese Wooden Wasanbako (和讃箱) — a traditional Buddhist hymn storage box — preserved in unused condition and sourced from a long-closed Japanese shop (closed since 1975) via government auction.
This piece was originally sold as new old stock and remains in excellent condition.
A Wasanbako is used to store wasan (Buddhist hymns), most commonly associated with the Jodo Shinshu (True Pure Land) sect. These boxes are placed inside or near a family altar (butsudan) to respectfully house printed hymns or scripture sheets used in chanting.
Design Details
• Deep black lacquer finish
• Gold makie decoration
• Traditional Buddhist crest motifs
• Likely includes stylized paulownia (kiri) crest elements
• Elegant gold trim framing
The gold decoration features refined floral and crest-style emblems, executed in traditional makie technique — a Japanese lacquer art method where gold powder is applied over urushi lacquer.
The interior is designed for careful storage of folded hymn sheets or prayer texts.
It includes its original white retail storage box labeled “Silk,” confirming it was store inventory.
🏯 Cultural Context
Wasan (和讃) are devotional hymns written in Japanese verse, especially important in Jodo Shinshu practice. These boxes are devotional objects, not decorative export items — they were intended for real religious use in Japanese homes.
The black and gold color scheme reflects traditional Buddhist altar aesthetics symbolizing purity, dignity, and reverence.
✅ Highlights
✔ Authentic 1970s Japanese Wasanbako
✔ Traditional Buddhist hymn storage box
✔ Associated with Jodo Shinshu sect
✔ Black lacquer finish
✔ Gold makie decoration
✔ Features traditional crest motifs
✔ Original “Silk” storage box included
✔ New old stock condition
✔ Sourced from Japan Government Auction
✔ Rare unused altar accessory
📏 Details
• Era: 1970s
• Material: Lacquered wood
• Finish: Black urushi with gold makie
• Condition: Unused vintage (old shop stock)
• Origin: Japan
📢 Important Shipping Policy Update
To ensure safe delivery, we currently ship one item per order only.
Orders with multiple items may be canceled and refunded. Once your item arrives safely, you’re welcome to place another order.
📦 Condition
Please review all photos carefully, as they form part of the item description. Dimensions and additional details are provided in the images.
