Hakata Magemono Tamaki ｜ Small oval lunch box

Hakata Magemono have been used in a variety of situations, from religious ceremonies to the daily lives of ordinary people. The Shibata family has been making Hakata bentwood for generations, preserving their traditions and techniques for over 400 years. This is a small oval lunch box made by the 18th generation owner, Tamaki Shibata.

Click here for a list of Hakata Magemono Tamaki products

A size that fits your lifestyle

You can choose from three lunch box sizes: large, medium, and small.
[From left: small, medium, large]

The material is cedar, straight grained and knot-free.

Hakata Magemono Tamaki's lunch boxes are made from tightly packed, straight-grained cedar. Cedar's moisture-regulating properties allow it to absorb excess moisture even after a long time has passed since it was packed, and it retains the right amount of moisture, so the rice stays plump and not sticky. In addition, the unpainted lunch box is breathable, so the rice does not spoil easily. Even when it cools down, the rice remains flavorful and delicious. Cedar is also said to have antibacterial properties.
[The overlapping parts of the wood are bound together using cherry bark]

I want to use it every day

The "Small Oval Lunch Box" is a recommended size for children and women with small appetites. It has a divider, making it easy to pack side dishes, and is great for rice ball lunches and small side dishes. The grain of the cedar is very beautiful, and the wood surface brings out the deliciousness of the rice and side dishes. It is light and easy to carry.
You can't wash it with detergent or soak it in water, but you can use a soft sponge to remove dirt and dry it thoroughly. This may seem like a difficult task, but once you get used to it, it's surprisingly easy and you'll want to use it every day.
*If you put side dishes directly into the container, it may stain. If you want to avoid stains as much as possible, we recommend placing an aluminum or plastic cup underneath.
[It is unpainted and made of plain wood, so the flavor of the rice is maximized.]

Also great as a gift

With proper care, you can use it for decades. Because the cedar is unvarnished, the material will continue to breathe, and the grain will become more beautiful with use. Not only will it make the rice taste better, but the beautiful shapes and textures unique to Hakata Magemono also make it the perfect gift for those who value the blessings of nature.
*The inside may gradually become blackened over time with extended use.
[Hakata Magemono Tamaki] The Shibata family has been making Hakata Magemono for generations, with a history spanning more than 400 years. In 2007, Mariko Shibata took on the name "Tamaki" and continues to protect the tradition and techniques as the 18th Shibata Tamaki. She continues to be active, winning prizes at the Japan Folk Crafts Exhibition and collaborating with a Kyoto lacquer artist, and with the desire to "spread the charm of Hakata Magemono as widely as possible," she has taken over the demonstrations at the "Hakata Machiya Furusatokan" that her father left in her hands, speaking about its charms to tourists from all over the country.
Click here for a list of Hakata Magemono Tamaki products


Hakata Magemono Tamaki Lunch Box, Small Oval Size

[Product name] Small oval lunch box
[Size (approx.)] 18cm x 11.6cm x 5.0cm
Weight (approx.): 98g
[Material] Cedar, cherry (bark at joints)
[Painting] Unpainted (unpainted wood)
[Country of Origin] Japan
[Notes] Traditional crafts of Fukuoka Prefecture, local crafts designated by the Fukuoka Prefecture Governor

● About use
Dishwasher x, dryer x, microwave x
-Wooden products made from natural materials will absorb oil and soy sauce components, so if you are concerned about stains, we recommend placing an aluminum or resin cup underneath them before use.
- Avoid storing in direct sunlight or near fire.
After use, wash with lukewarm water, wipe off moisture and dry thoroughly.
- If there is oil stain, use diluted neutral detergent.
- Avoid soaking for long periods of time, and using bleach, baking soda, or metal scouring pads.

● Regarding maintenance
・Over time, the inside of the pot may darken little by little. This is caused by a reaction between the starch in the rice and the tannins in the cedar, and is not harmful to food.
- When washing, remove any dirt and dry thoroughly in the shade to keep it in good condition.