Επένδυση - Gilt brass - Ιαπωνία - Torita - Μεταλλική Χάραξη (χωρίς τιμή ασφαλείας)

IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ BEFORE BIDDING

To ensure a smooth and secure transaction, please review the following information carefully.

● Import Taxes and Customs Duties

All customs duties, import taxes, and customs clearance fees are the buyer’s responsibility.

Since July 2026, the EU has introduced an additional customs duty of €3 per product category (tariff classification) for goods valued at €150 or less.

● Double VAT Charges and Refunds

Items are shipped via Japan Post EMS under DAP terms, without an IOSS number.

Even if VAT has already been paid through Catawiki, buyers may be charged VAT again upon import.

If VAT is charged twice, buyers can request a refund of the duplicated VAT by submitting proof of payment to Catawiki Customer Support.

Please note that customs duties and clearance fees are not refundable through this procedure.

■ Shipping and Packaging

All items are shipped via Japan Post EMS (with insurance coverage).

If EMS is unavailable, an alternative shipping method will be discussed.

All items are carefully packed to withstand international transportation.

□ Tax Identification Number

Some countries require a tax identification number for customs clearance.

If necessary, buyers will be asked to provide this information after purchase.

◆ Damage and Shipping Issues

If an item arrives damaged, please contact your local post office and Catawiki Customer Support, preferably within 3 days of delivery.

Please contact us before leaving feedback.

⎯

All items are shipped from Japan.

Description

This is a framed original metal engraving work titled “Shio-kumi no Zu” (汐くみの図) by Sogo Torita, a certified Japanese traditional craftsman, created using traditional Japanese metalworking techniques.

A label on the reverse of the frame reads:

“Original Metal Engraving – Certified Traditional Craftsman by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry – Sogo Torita”

The work depicts a traditional Japanese scene of a figure carrying buckets suspended from a shoulder pole while collecting seawater.

The metal plate is primarily made of brass and features finely engraved details combined with an electroformed metal surface treatment. The contrasting gold, silver, black and other metallic tones create a rich and highly decorative appearance.

Fine details can be seen throughout the composition, including the figure’s kimono and facial features, the buckets, trees and surrounding landscape. The relief-like metalwork gives the image depth, while its appearance changes beautifully depending on the angle and intensity of the light.

The work is presented in a wooden frame with a subdued green mat.

JT – Commemorative Piece for the Abolition of the Salt Monopoly System

One particularly interesting feature is the commemorative plaque attached to the frame, which reads:

“Commemorating the Abolition of the Salt Monopoly
Japan Tobacco Inc.
Salt Monopoly Business Headquarters”

There is also a handwritten inscription on the reverse indicating:

“March 1997 – Commemorating the abolition of the salt monopoly system.”

Based on these inscriptions, this piece is believed to have been produced in connection with Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) and its Salt Monopoly Business Headquarters to commemorate the abolition of Japan’s salt monopoly system in 1997 (Heisei 9).

Rather than being simply a decorative object intended for ordinary retail sale, the piece appears to have served as a commemorative presentation piece associated with this significant institutional milestone.

However, no documentation concerning the original recipients or the number produced accompanies the work. Therefore, it cannot be confirmed whether it was officially issued as a limited-edition or non-commercial item.

In addition to its appeal as a work of Japanese metal craftsmanship by a certified traditional craftsman, it is an interesting commemorative piece connected with the history of Japan’s salt monopoly system and JT.

Materials & Techniques

* Original metal engraving
* Metal plate primarily made of brass
* Electroformed metal surface treatment
* Wooden frame
* Acrylic front panel

Dimensions

* Frame: approx. 30 × 24.5 cm
* Metal artwork: approx. 11 × 7.5 cm

Please allow for slight measurement variations.

Condition

This item has been stored for an extended period.

The metal artwork retains its attractive gold and silver-toned metallic finish, and the finely engraved details remain clearly visible.

The acrylic front panel has scratches and surface wear. The wooden frame also shows age-related minor scratches, rubbing and marks. The green mat shows some minor age-related soiling and wear.

Please examine all photographs carefully for a detailed assessment of the condition of both the artwork and its frame.

Included

* Framed original metal engraving artwork

Everything shown in the photographs is included, including the artist’s label on the reverse, the commemorative plaque relating to JT’s Salt Monopoly Business Headquarters, and the handwritten 1997 inscription.

Please note: Due to international shipping restrictions, used metal items and tools cannot be shipped to certain countries, including Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Bulgaria.

If shipping is not possible, the order may be cancelled and refunded in accordance with Catawiki policies.

Thank you for your understanding.