Porcelain Stacking Box with Scholarly Gathering

This early 20th-century porcelain container is a Chinese play on traditional Japanese stacking boxes called jubako. Each layer contained foods to celebrate Japanese New Years, each with special meanings and wishes such as good health, happiness, wealth, and longevity. This porcelain version is much smaller and was likely gifted as a keepsake, used to store seals, jewelry, and precious personal objects.

The box has three tiers and is brushed with overglaze enamels in a palette of green, orange, and iron red. The lid is painted with a gathering of robed figures and the sides of each layer are decorated with pumpkins, butterflies, and double happiness symbols.

Additional Dimensions:
Interior of Each Dish: 0.75"H