Kiridame Box Set
Set of seven wooden nesting boxes (kiridame), Japan, Taishō era (1910s-1920s). Lacquered wood, probably cedar. Kiridame were traditionally used to bring food to family gatherings and other celebrations, especially New Year's. They would be filled with delicacies, and wrapped in a furoshiki carrying cloth. The genius thing is that the lids double as serving trays! The other genius thing is that all the boxes and their lids all nest together for compact storage. You can also stack them into an architecturally-interesting tower, if you prefer (see last image)! Your kiridame can also be used for storing all sorts of small, non-food items in an attractive manner. Each box is marked with a kanji translating as naga (long) or take (height), but probably representing an abbreviated form of the owners' name. The largest box lid is 11" by 14".
Set of seven wooden nesting boxes (kiridame), Japan, Taishō era (1910s-1920s). Lacquered wood, probably cedar. Kiridame were traditionally used to bring food to family gatherings and other celebrations, especially New Year's. They would be filled with delicacies, and wrapped in a furoshiki carrying cloth. The genius thing is that the lids double as serving trays! The other genius thing is that all the boxes and their lids all nest together for compact storage. You can also stack them into an architecturally-interesting tower, if you prefer (see last image)! Your kiridame can also be used for storing all sorts of small, non-food items in an attractive manner. Each box is marked with a kanji translating as naga (long) or take (height), but probably representing an abbreviated form of the owners' name. The largest box lid is 11" by 14".
Set of seven wooden nesting boxes (kiridame), Japan, Taishō era (1910s-1920s). Lacquered wood, probably cedar. Kiridame were traditionally used to bring food to family gatherings and other celebrations, especially New Year's. They would be filled with delicacies, and wrapped in a furoshiki carrying cloth. The genius thing is that the lids double as serving trays! The other genius thing is that all the boxes and their lids all nest together for compact storage. You can also stack them into an architecturally-interesting tower, if you prefer (see last image)! Your kiridame can also be used for storing all sorts of small, non-food items in an attractive manner. Each box is marked with a kanji translating as naga (long) or take (height), but probably representing an abbreviated form of the owners' name. The largest box lid is 11" by 14".