【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. We strongly recommend checking with your country's customs office to determine these additional costs before bidding or buying. Prompt payment of these fees ensures timely delivery. ・Shipping Details: Most items are shipped via Japan Post EMS (airmail). Upon request, we can arrange shipping via DHL or FedEx for an additional fee. ・Damage and Issues: If you receive a damaged item, please contact us immediately before leaving a negative review. We kindly ask for your patience and the opportunity to rectify the issue. 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 early 20th-century sake ewer is finished in lustrous black lacquer and features two finely detailed cranes in flight rendered in gold maki-e. One crane carries a pine branch in its beak, while the other holds a plum blossom branch—both classic motifs symbolising longevity, renewal, and auspicious fortune in Japanese tradition. The wings of the cranes are adorned with raden (mother-of-pearl inlay), adding shimmering iridescence to the refined decoration. The interior is coated in vermilion lacquer, over which a layer of brown lacquer has been applied. In some areas, the upper layer has worn away with age, revealing the vivid vermilion beneath. The underside bears the mark of Zohiko, a prestigious Kyoto lacquerware house with origins dating back to 1661. Originally an ivory shop, Zohiko gained its name when the third-generation artisan Nishimura Hikobei crafted a lacquer panel depicting a white elephant and Fugen Bosatsu (Samantabhadra). Since then, the workshop became renowned for its mastery of maki-e. In 1965, the ninth-generation Nishimura Hikobei inherited the legacy and contributed significantly to preserving Kyoto lacquer traditions. His work includes lacquer finishing for the Imperial Palace’s state throne and participation in the preparation of sacred treasures for the 62nd Grand Shrine Rebuilding at Ise Jingu. This piece comes in its original lacquer-coated wooden storage box. The box has visible stains, dents, and minor scratches. There are signs of age and use, including surface wear, loss of mother-of-pearl inlay, and areas of lacquer flaking. Please refer to the photos for condition details. Dimensions: approx. H 13 cm W 16 cm D 11 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!