Made of slices of wood forced into a circle. They are great for outings — after the meal, the lunch boxes can be nested inside each other, making it easy to carry them home. They take up little room when stored.

Each small box "table" was for one person. Tableware stored inside the box was taken out, the lid was turned over, and the tableware was placed on top. After the meal, the tableware was washed, dried, and then returned to the box. Each family member had his or her own hako-zen. The boxes were stored on top of each other. (Property of Fukagawa Edo Museum)

A zen is a low-standing eating tray for one person. The tableware covers the top. They are still used in some traditional restaurants and ryokan (Japanese-style inns). (Collaboration: Yamamoto Shoten Antiques)