Antique Japanese (C.1870) 5 Tiered Kasane Jubako Makie Lacquer Samurai Helmet

This is an antique Japanese five level food box known as a Jubako made of Japanese sugi (cryptomeria) wood in the early Meiji Era (c. 1870). All five levels nest together with two lids which is fitted to rest nicely on the top (one lid has a bit of a warp and wobbles). It is well made with all wooden pin construction and has its original 20 coats of Japanese black lacquer finish. It comes with two original lids to cover the food when served. It also includes the original signed cryptomeria wood storage box with the family name "Nakajima" (see picture 6).All boxes are decorated in Makie paint with various motifs including Samurai helmets, lobsters, satsuma cat, etc. Having been used lovingly and stored for over a century, it still remains in fine condition. Note some minor nicks to the original lacquer finish (see enlarged pictures). There is also some loss to the gold lacquer interior on one of the boxes (see picture 8). With all five stacked it measures 9 1/2" square by 17" tall (24 x 43 cm). The original signed storage box measures 11" x 22" (28 x 56). A great storage box or useful for party food...This stack of jubako boxes measures 9" (22.5 cm) by 8 3/8" high (21 cm) by 3" (7.5 cm) tall and remains in excellent condition. The storage box is 19" x 10" x 9 1/4"