Antique Lunch Box (Dosirak)

Dimensions: 9L x 5W x 2.75H
Condition:  Good
Period: Early 20^th Century, 100+ years old
Materials: Bamboo and willow bark
Place of Origin: Korea

Woven bamboo was used to create this small dosirak – or portable box – to carry food. Typically there would be a small piece of cloth on the bottom (though the bamboo was, and still is, remarkable durable and easy to wash with water). During Japanese Colonization, the bamboo dosirak was replaced with an aluminum box called “bento”. After liberation, Korean language scholars returned to the original word, “dosirak”. In Japanese, the word for this type of box translates to “willow ring lunch box”.

Disclaimer: All information about this piece is unverified. Explanations of the origin, period, materials and use were relayed via antique dealers based in Korea. We cannot verify with 100% certainty the period, materials and actual use. Vintage items, by nature, are likely to carry various marks and indications of their age. Be aware that slight color variations may appear, and some imperfections may vary (we feel signs of use and add character to the item). We clean each item the best we can. However, some products probably need to be cleaned before personal use or display.