Glossary of Japanese Box Inscriptions

Fine Japanese objects are kept in fitted wooden boxes, and the writing on those boxes is part of the object's record. Collectors in Japan often judge a box as carefully as its contents. These are the terms you will meet most often.

Types of box

• Tomobako (共箱). A box inscribed, signed and sealed by the artist who made the object. The most valued kind.
• Shikibako (識箱). A box inscribed later by an authority, such as the artist's successor, a tea master or an expert, confirming an attribution.
• Kiwamebako (極箱). A box bearing an expert's written attribution, a formal statement of authenticity.
• Awasebako (合わせ箱). A box made or matched to the object later. It protects the piece but adds little to its record.
• Nijūbako (二重箱). A double box, an inner box inside an outer one, used for important pieces.
• Kiribako (桐箱). A box of paulownia wood, light and resistant to humidity, the standard for fine objects.

Where the writing is

• Hakogaki (箱書). The general term for writing on a box.
• Kōgaki (甲書). Writing on the top of the lid, usually the object's name or type.
• Futaura (蓋裏). The inside of the lid, where the maker's signature and seal often appear.
• Kakitsuke (書付). An inscription by a tea master or connoisseur, sometimes giving the object a poetic name.

Words in the inscription

• Saku (作) and zō (造). Made by. Follows the maker's name.
• Ga (画). Painted by.
• Sho (書). Written by, for calligraphy.
• Mei (銘). A signature, or a poetic name given to an object.
• Zaimei and mumei (在銘, 無銘). Signed and unsigned.
• Rakkan (落款). Signature and seal together.
• In (印). A seal impression.

Inside the box

• Kibukuro (黄袋). A soft yellow cotton bag in which ceramics are wrapped.
• Shifuku (仕覆). A silk pouch for tea caddies and small treasures.
• Sanada-himo (真田紐). The flat woven cord that ties the box.
• Shiori (栞). A printed leaflet about the maker or the object.
• Kanteisho (鑑定書). A certificate of authenticity from a recognised appraiser or committee.

A word of caution

Boxes can be separated from their contents, swapped or made later. A box inscription is powerful evidence only when the object matches it in size, style, material and quality, and when the box has aged together with its contents. Read our guide to authenticating Japanese art for the wider method.

Related references

• Numerals and Dates on Boxes
• Japanese Era Names
• Documentation as Value