Explore the Hidehira-nuri collection
Tamoto Document Box 315mm
Tamoto Document Box 315mm
Share
Couldn't load pickup availability
Why this box
A spray of chrysanthemums runs across the lid of this box, so the papers and letters inside stay out of sight without disappearing into a plain drawer. Lift the lid and the interior is lined in deep red cloth, made to hold documents and small keepsakes without a second thought.
The pattern
The lid carries two motifs from Hidehira-nuri, the lacquer tradition of Hiraizumi in Iwate. The chrysanthemums across the centre are drawn by hand, in gold and orange lacquer against the black ground. At two corners sit Genji-gumo, cloud shapes laid down in red lacquer with gold leaf set inside them as diamonds and crossed bars.
The workshop
Marusan Shikki is a fifth-generation workshop in Ichinoseki, founded in 1904. The box starts as a hoo (magnolia) wood base. It is the only Hidehira-nuri workshop that still carries every stage — wood-turning, undercoating, lacquer painting and the final gold leaf — under its own roof.
What to know before you buy
As with any urushi lacquerware, this piece is not tableware and needs only dry care. Wipe the surface with a soft, dry cloth, and avoid water and damp cloths, since moisture can work into the wood and loosen the lacquer. Avoid solvents and alcohol-based cleaners too, since they can dissolve the lacquer. Handle it gently, as a hard knock or drop can chip the gold leaf or crack the lacquer underneath. Store away from direct sunlight.
Details
W315 × D235 × H50 mm, 650g. Shipped from Japan via DHL with tracking. It is kept in stock and usually ships within about a week.
If you'd like a place to keep papers and small keepsakes without a second thought, you can order below; this piece is in stock and usually ships within about a week. Curious about care or sizing before you commit? Write to us; we read and answer every message ourselves.
Specifications
Specifications
- Category: Box
- Type: Box
- Material: Hoo (magnolia) wood, urushi lacquer, gold leaf, red cloth-lined interior
- Technique: Hidehira-nuri
- Size: W315 × D235 × H50 mm
- Weight: 650g
Heritage & Credentials
Heritage & Credentials
Hidehira-nuri carries a documented history and an official craft designation.
- In 1985, Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry designated Hidehira-nuri itself — not any one workshop or product — a Traditional Craft (伝統的工芸品).
- Tradition links its origins to the late Heian period, with accounts describing lacquer artisans from Kyoto working in the Hiraizumi area.
- Rooted in the Hiraizumi area of Iwate, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The traditional specification for Hidehira-nuri begins with hon-kataji, a lacquer ground built up in layers with cloth reinforcement before colour is applied.
Care & Notice
Care & Notice
This is handmade Hidehira-nuri lacquerware, not tableware. It only needs dry care.
- Wipe the outer surface with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid water and damp cloths, since moisture can work into the wood and loosen the lacquer.
- The interior is lined in red cloth for holding documents and papers. Keep it dry, and shake out dust rather than wiping it with anything damp.
- Handle it gently. A hard knock or drop can chip the gold leaf or crack the lacquer underneath.
- Keep it out of direct sunlight, which fades lacquer over time.
- Store in a stable spot away from vents and radiators, to avoid overly dry air.
About Shipping
About Shipping
Every piece ships from Japan.
- We ship to the UK, the EU and Switzerland, via DHL, with tracking included.
- This sale is made under DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) terms. If import duty applies, it's billed directly to Toramonten, not to you.
- Customs authorities may contact the recipient directly, and we can't say in advance which orders this might affect.
- This piece is in stock and ships within about a week of your order.
About the workshop
About the workshop
