Item Description A Japanese lacquered covered bowls decorated with gold maki-e depicting cranes in flight. The lid features cranes with outstretched wings set against a ground that transitions from red lacquer to deep brown. This color gradation is very rare and a difficult skill/process to acquire by the craftmen. The feathers are enhanced with fine line engraving, accompanied by pine branches and stylized gold clouds. The cloud motif continues along the rim of the lids. The bowl bodies are finished in glossy black lacquer and rest on low foot rims. A small gold diamond-shaped mark appears on the interior of each foot rim. In Japan, the crane is a traditional symbol of longevity and good fortune. Bowls of this type have long been used for celebratory dishes such as ozōni. The black‑to‑red gradient seen in this lacquerware piece is exceptionally rare and technically very difficult to achieve. Traditional urushi lacquer does not blend like paint; each color layer must be applied separately, polished, and cured. Creating a smooth gradient requires the artisan to control the thickness of each layer with extreme precision, adjusting the transparency of the lacquer while repeatedly polishing to avoid visible boundaries between colors. Because urushi hardens through a humidity‑controlled curing process, even slight variations in temperature or moisture can ruin the transition. Achieving a seamless fade from deep black to bright red demands years of experience, refined hand‑polishing techniques, and perfect environmental control. For this reason, such gradients are seldom produced and are highly valued in the world of Japanese lacquerware. Dimensions Height: 9 cm Width: 13 cm Depth: 13 cm Weight 100 g (total weight) Condition The lacquer and gold decoration appear to be in good overall condition, with both bowls and lids retaining their lustre. Minor surface wear consistent with age and use may be present; please refer to the photographs. Additional Information Country of origin: Japan Type: Covered bowls, set of 1 Decoration: Cranes, pine branches, and clouds rendered in gold maki-e with line-engraved detailing, on a lacquer ground transitioning from red to deep brown Mark: Small gold diamond-shaped mark on the interior of the foot rim of the bowl Dimensions are per bowl with lid in place. The item will be carefully packaged and shipped by Japan Post or DHL, depending on the situation. Due to the changes to the EU tax-free (VAT) system, Japan Post has become unable to ship certain goods valued at €150 or less to an increasing number of European countries. Depending on the destination and circumstances, the shipping method may therefore be changed from Japan Post to DHL. Delivery normally takes approximately 3 weeks. Please note that import duties, taxes, customs fees, and other charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility. For customs clearance, your local customs office or delivery company may contact you by phone or email. To avoid any delays or the return of the parcel, please ensure that you can respond promptly to any such requests. If the parcel is returned due to an inability to contact you or complete customs clearance, additional shipping charges, which may be more than twice the original shipping cost, will apply for reshipment. Thank you for your kind understanding and cooperation. We will do our utmost to ensure that your item arrives safely and without any issues.