【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 flat natsume tea caddy was crafted by Nakamura Souin, a skilled lacquer artist of the Kaga maki-e tradition. He was the son of Kawakita Ryozo, a Living National Treasure, and studied under Toyoshima Bunshu. Souin represents a distinguished lineage of artisans, with his grandfather also recognised as a Yamanaka lacquer craftsman, ensuring that the techniques of Kaga and Yamanaka lacquerware were passed down through generations. Kaga maki-e, developed in the workshops of the Kaga domain, is known for its refined forms and graceful use of colour, often produced as furnishings and gifts for daimyo families. Nakamura Souin continued this tradition at the highest level, blending technical mastery with artistic elegance. This piece is accompanied by its original leaflet detailing the artist’s career and the inspiration behind the work. It explains that the design is modelled after the celebrated “Funabashi Maki-e Suzuribako” (Boat Bridge Writing Box) created by Hon’ami Kōetsu in the early Edo period, now in the collection of the Tokyo National Museum. That masterpiece was inspired by a waka poem from the Gosen Wakashū anthology, combining image and text to represent the boat bridge at Sano. In the same spirit, this natsume depicts the poem through both imagery and calligraphy. Waves are rendered in gold powder, small boats are expressed in maki-e with mother-of-pearl inlay and sprinkled gold nashiji accents, while a thick band of lead symbolises the bridge. The inside of the caddy is finished in silver. This faithful homage to Kōetsu’s suzuribako captures both the luxury and the simplicity of Rinpa design aesthetics. The piece comes with its signed and sealed wooden box and original leaflet. Minor blemishes from age are present, but overall it remains in good used condition. A portion of the mother-of-pearl inlay on the lid has detached and is missing. Please refer to the photos for full details. Dimensions: approx. H 5.5 cm W 8.4 cm D 8.4 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! #traveltreasurescf