Hand-painted Storage Box Ornament / Paulownia Wood

Carefully handcrafted one by one by skilled Japanese artisans, this unique ornament brings both elegance and good fortune to your space.
At its center hangs a delicate 5.8cm (approx. 2.3 inches) cubic Kiribako (paulownia wood box), elegantly suspended and surrounded by beautifully crafted auspicious Japanese motifs, such as the traditional folding fan (Sensu), which symbolizes prosperity and expanding future possibilities.

More than just a beautiful decorative piece, this Kiribako is fully functional. The box can be opened and closed, serving as a charming secret compartment to safely store small, precious items like rings, jewelry, or keys.
Whether displayed gracefully in your entryway to welcome guests or placed in your living room as a cultural centerpiece, this versatile ornament adds a touch of authentic Japanese artistry while keeping your treasured belongings close at hand.

Total Width：11cm
Total Depth：14.5cm
Total Height：31cm
Total Weight：77g

Box Width：5.8cm
Box Depth：5.8cm
Box Height：5.8cm

Paulownia wood

HAKOTOU

They propose a new lifestyle that incorporates paulownia boxes into modern living.

Traditionally, paulownia boxes are perceived as containers for valuable items. However, they are making these boxes more accessible for everyday use by decorating them with paintings and designing products that match contemporary lifestyles. They aim to share the charm of paulownia boxes with people around the world.

ARTISAN STORY

HAKOTOU
HAKOTOU was founded in 1891. Since its establishment, it has operated as a workshop crafting paulownia boxes for storing Kyoto's traditional crafts, serving as a modest yet significant supporting player in Kyoto's traditional industries. In 2000, HAKOTOU opened a gallery specializing in paulownia boxes for individual customers. Along with developing and selling a variety of painted paulownia boxes in different sizes, they continue to propose new lifestyles that incorporate paulownia boxes into modern living.

KIRIBAKO KOGEI / JAPANESE PAULOWNIA BOX CRAFT

About 400 years ago / 1600s / Edo Period (1603–1868)

Paulownia boxes developed widely in the Edo period as protective cases for tea utensils, ceramics, paintings, kimono and other valuables. The light wood responds well to humidity changes, and precise joinery creates tight-fitting lids that help stabilize the environment inside.

In Japan, a fine craft object is often considered incomplete without its box. An artist’s inscription on a paulownia box can record provenance and even contribute to authenticity, especially for tea ware and ceramics. Today the same construction also appears in storage and luxury gift packaging.

Paulownia seems delicate, yet it has useful protective properties. When exposed to heat the surface can char, slowing heat transfer inward, while the wood also absorbs and releases moisture. Because it is extremely light, it is ideal for long-term storage—an almost invisible craft supporting the preservation of Japanese art.

Individual Differences

As each piece is individually handcrafted, slight variations in color, pattern, shape, and texture may occur. These subtle differences are a natural characteristic of handcrafted works, making each piece truly unique. We hope you will enjoy these individual variations as part of the beauty and character of Japanese craftsmanship.

Production Time

If an item is not currently in stock, it may be made to order by the artisan. As each piece is carefully handcrafted, production may take several months depending on the item and the artisan's schedule. We appreciate your patience and understanding.