【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 lacquer mandarin duck ornament was created around 1998–2000 by Nakazato Toshikatsu (中里 壽克, b.1936), known by his art name Ju (壽). A student of the Living National Treasure Matsuda Gonroku, Nakazato went on to become Professor of Cultural Property Studies at Tsurumi University and played a central role in the conservation of Japan’s most important lacquer treasures, including the Konjikidō at Chūson-ji, the treasures of Hōryū-ji, and the Shōsō-in collection. He is recognised as one of the foremost authorities in Japanese lacquer restoration, while also producing his own highly accomplished works. The bird is decorated with nashiji, in which fine gold flecks are sprinkled in lacquer to create a pear-skin texture, along with intricate maki-e, where powdered gold is applied onto wet lacquer to form detailed designs, and luminous mother-of-pearl inlays that give the plumage a jewel-like iridescence. In Japanese culture, the mandarin duck is a celebrated symbol of love, fidelity, and marital harmony, as the birds are believed to mate for life. Their image has long been favoured in art as an auspicious motif, representing enduring partnership and conjugal happiness. The sculpture is secured to its wooden base with a single screw; when the screw is removed, the underside of the duck reveals the artist’s signature (壽, Ju). The original tomobako (wooden storage box) also bears the artist’s signature and seal, attesting to its authenticity. There is one small dent visible on the side, along with minor blemishes from age, but overall the piece remains in good condition. Please refer to the photos for details. Overall Dimensions: approx. H 14 cm W 20 cm D 10 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!