Description
Fuku means happiness in Japanese and masu means box. Masu were traditionally used by the Japanese to measure such items as rice, beans or even sake. Fuku masu or happiness boxes are a special type of masu which the Japanese use during the spring festival called Setsubun (Feb 2nd). During the festival, Japanese families scatter soy beans, coins (and sometimes candy for the kids) around their homes in order to drive away unhappy spirits. These boxes are used to carry the soy beans and coins (and candy) during this ritual. The boxes stack one into another for easy storage until next year’s spring festival.
About the Listed Item
This antique wooden fuku masu box is structurally in poor to fair condition with visible wear and slightly loose joints. The box has many scratches as well as some chips and marks from age and past use and is decorated with branded Japanese marks, possibly identifying the business which produced or used the box. The box is held together with metal nails along with fine wooden joints. This item dates from the early to mid Japanese Showa period (1926-1989).
Size:
Height: 2.1 inches (5.5 centimeters)
Width: 3.2 inches (8.2 centimeters)
Length: 3.2 inches (8.2 centimeters)
Weight: 3.5 ounces (100 grams)
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item code: R2S7-0003407
ship code: G6
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