Portable Picnic Set (sagejū) with Chrysanthemums, Foliage Scroll, and Tokugawa Family Crests

The samurai and daimyo Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537–1598) established the tradition of grand cherry-blossom viewings, accompanied by large entourages, lavish banquets, tea gatherings, and other festivities. By the Edo period, such outdoor excursions had become popular among elites. They used elegant portable sets with stacked food boxes, sake bottles and cups, and small plates. Over time, the humble bento box, once a simple food container, evolved into a luxurious work of art, exemplified by this richly embellished lacquer example. Bearing the Tokugawa family crest, it was likely used by high-ranking samurai. The tiered boxes would have held an artful array of seasonal delicacies—kasutera tamago (fluffy omelet), wata kamaboko (fish paste), steamed flounder and sea bream, as well as sashimi—accompanied by sweets like karukan (steamed cake).