【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】 A refined black lacquer water pail crafted in the Showa period, decorated on the underside of the lid with an elegant maki-e design of flying chidori (plovers). In Japanese art, chidori symbolise perseverance, safe travels and the ability to overcome life’s challenges, making them a popular auspicious motif. Maki-e is a traditional Japanese decorative technique where gold or silver powder is sprinkled onto wet lacquer to produce intricate designs. This piece is made in Wajima lacquer, renowned as the finest lacquerware in Japan. Wajima-nuri is celebrated for its exceptional durability and refined beauty, created through over 23 stages and more than 124 individual processes. The strong foundation layers and carefully applied lacquer give the piece both strength and an elegant, polished finish. The extremely fine and precise lines highlight the high level of craftsmanship. The artist, Ichigo Itchō (1898–1991), was a master maki-e artist from Ishikawa Prefecture and is regarded as one of the foremost figures in modern Wajima lacquer. He was officially recognised in 1943 under the precursor system to today’s Living National Treasure designation, and his works were purchased by members of the Imperial Household, including the future Empress Michiko. He exhibited repeatedly at the Nitten and other major art exhibitions throughout his career. The underside of the water pail bears the artist’s inscription. The tomobako storage box is titled and signed with seal, and the accompanying cloth also carries the artist’s signature and seal. A biography of the artist is affixed to the inside of the box lid. The water pail is in good to very good used condition with very light wear. The cloth has some spots. The wooden box shows minor stains, and the upper edge of one corner panel is slightly loose. Please check the photos for further details. Dimensions: approx. H 24.7 cm W 22 cm D 22.2 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!