Picnic boxes, as opposed to picnic hampers, tend to be of Asian origin. They are equivalent to modern day lunch boxes and early boxes were probably used more for practical, working outdoor lunches rather than the later out picnics for pleasure.
Below are some examples of picnic boxes including a Nagasaki Style five tiered jubako and a Zitan Qing Dynasty picnic box.
A NAGASAKI-STYLE LACQUER TALL FIVE-TIERED JUBAKO (PICNIC BOX) AND COVER
Edo period (1615-1868), probably first half of the 19th century
Inlaid in shell with an all-over design of overlapping, paired fans enclosing repeated designs of seasonal flowers and coral, save for the lid embellished with three fans depicting the Meoto Iwa (‘Married Couple Rocks’), an exotic bird flying among hydrangea and windswept stalks of camellia, all bordered by shippo-tsunagi (linked-cash), on a ground of rich and dense iridescent shell flakes on black lacquer, the interior of red lacquer; unsigned. 36.5cm x 22cm x 23.5cm (14 3/8in x 8 5/8in x 9¼in)
Sold for £1,657.50 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2022
A ZITAN THREE-TIERED PICNIC BOX, TIHE
QING DYNASTY, 17TH-18TH CENTURY
Of rectangular form, the box comprises a narrow cover and three rectangular trays with beaded edges, each neatly keying into the tray above, one of which has a smaller fitted inner tray, set on a base frame flanked by standing shaped spandrels, joined at the top by a humpback handle. The cover is held in place by a rod through the handles. The corners of the cover, base frame, trays and handle are reinforced by baitong mounts, and the mounts on each corner of the cover are in the shape of ruyi heads.
Sold for HKD 201,600 at Christie’s in 2022
A Chinese Wood, Bamboo and Basketry Picnic Box
19th Century
Of three-tier construction with carved handle. Height 9 1/2 inches
Sold for $756 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2021
A HUANGHUALI THREE-TIERED PICNIC BOX, H 23 cm. (9.3 in.) x W 33cm (13 in.) x D 17.5 cm. (6.1 in.)
Sold for US$1,000 at China Luban Art & Antique, Inc. in 2022
