This is an antique magewappa (traditional Japanese bentwood box).
In a time before metal and plastic were widely used, containers like this —made by bending thin wooden boards into a ring and fitting a base—served as lunch boxes.
Depending on the region, they were also called wappa, menpa, or mentsū. Sizes ranged from single portions to larger boxes for up to four people, and some were even divided into two tiers inside.
In contrast to magewappa, lidded lunch baskets woven from bamboo or willow were known as bentō-gōri.
This particular magewappa is a deeper type. Although it shows signs of age, it remains in good condition.What most catches the eye is the section carefully stitched with strips of cherry bark. It reflects the craftsman’s attention to detail, a fine piece of workmanship from the past.
In modern times, it may be enjoyed as a container for treasured small items or simply as an interior accent. With both the body and lid made deep, they can even be used separately in different places.
Each part shows the fine detail of cherry bark stitching, a feature to be appreciated on both the body and the lid. We hope you will enjoy this magewappa as part of daily life today.
Please note: This item ships from Japan. As the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country. These costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
This is an antique magewappa (traditional Japanese bentwood box).
In a time before metal and plastic were widely used, containers like this —made by bending thin wooden boards into a ring and fitting a base—served as lunch boxes.
Depending on the region, they were also called wappa, menpa, or mentsū. Sizes ranged from single portions to larger boxes for up to four people, and some were even divided into two tiers inside.
In contrast to magewappa, lidded lunch baskets woven from bamboo or willow were known as bentō-gōri.
This particular magewappa is a deeper type. Although it shows signs of age, it remains in good condition.What most catches the eye is the section carefully stitched with strips of cherry bark. It reflects the craftsman’s attention to detail, a fine piece of workmanship from the past.
In modern times, it may be enjoyed as a container for treasured small items or simply as an interior accent. With both the body and lid made deep, they can even be used separately in different places.
Each part shows the fine detail of cherry bark stitching, a feature to be appreciated on both the body and the lid. We hope you will enjoy this magewappa as part of daily life today.
Please note: This item ships from Japan. As the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country. These costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
This is an antique magewappa (traditional Japanese bentwood box).
In a time before metal and plastic were widely used, containers like this —made by bending thin wooden boards into a ring and fitting a base—served as lunch boxes.
Depending on the region, they were also called wappa, menpa, or mentsū. Sizes ranged from single portions to larger boxes for up to four people, and some were even divided into two tiers inside.
In contrast to magewappa, lidded lunch baskets woven from bamboo or willow were known as bentō-gōri.
This particular magewappa is a deeper type. Although it shows signs of age, it remains in good condition.What most catches the eye is the section carefully stitched with strips of cherry bark. It reflects the craftsman’s attention to detail, a fine piece of workmanship from the past.
In modern times, it may be enjoyed as a container for treasured small items or simply as an interior accent. With both the body and lid made deep, they can even be used separately in different places.
Each part shows the fine detail of cherry bark stitching, a feature to be appreciated on both the body and the lid. We hope you will enjoy this magewappa as part of daily life today.
Please note: This item ships from Japan. As the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country. These costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
