【Important notes】 ・International buyers are responsible for any import duties, taxes, and charges not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please note that VAT paid to Catawiki is separate from and does not cover import duties or customs charges in your country. You may still be required to pay additional fees upon delivery, as determined by your local customs authorities. ・Shipping Details: Most items are shipped via Japan Post EMS (airmail). If you are in a hurry, we can arrange shipping via DHL or FedEx upon request for an additional fee. ・Damage and Issues: If you receive a damaged item, please contact us immediately. The damage must be reported to your local post office within 7 days of delivery, and promptly to us and Catawiki support. 【Product details】 This elegant natsume tea caddy was crafted by Shida Masaru (志田勝), known by the art name Hakuho (伯峰), a lacquer artist born in Yamanaka, Ishikawa Prefecture and trained in the traditions of Yamanaka lacquerware and Kaga maki-e. The piece features a deep black lacquer ground decorated with karamatsu (Japanese larch) motifs executed in fine maki-e. The karamatsu motif symbolises resilience, vitality, and the ability to endure through harsh seasons, as the Japanese larch is a rare deciduous conifer that sheds its needles in winter and grows anew in spring. Its radiating form also conveys brightness and auspicious energy, making it a fitting emblem for tea utensils. Maki-e is a traditional Japanese decorative technique in which gold or silver powder is sprinkled onto wet lacquer to create intricate, shimmering designs. The refined workmanship and balanced placement of the motifs highlight the artist’s skill and sensitivity. The piece comes with its original wooden box, signed and sealed by the artist. Minor surface wear consistent with age, one noticeable vertical crack to the natsume, and light staining on the box. Please refer to the photos for details. Dimensions: approx. H 7.4 cm W 7.3 cm D 7.3 cm ・Please make sure to review all the provided information and images before placing your bid. ・We make every effort to accurately represent the product's colors and textures in our photos. However, due to differences in monitors and device displays, as well as photographic conditions, slight color variations between the photos and the actual product may occur. We ask for your understanding in advance. Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!