【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 square lacquerware confectionery box from the late Edo period or later is decorated with charming motifs. The lid features a playful cat lying on its back, gazing up at a butterfly fluttering above. Around the sides, pairs of colourful decorative paper strips, resembling noshi (auspicious folded paper often used to express good wishes), are painted in different patterns. Maki-e is a traditional Japanese decorative technique where gold or silver powder is sprinkled onto wet lacquer to produce intricate designs. In this piece, both the cat-and-butterfly motif and the noshi designs are executed in this refined technique. In Japanese symbolism, the cat represents playfulness, vitality, and domestic comfort, while the butterfly symbolises transformation and fleeting beauty. Together, they evoke a scene of light-hearted joy. The noshi motifs reinforce auspicious meanings, as they are traditionally associated with good fortune and celebrations. Signs of age are present, including surface wear, cracks and chips in the lacquer, discolouration, and grime. The accompanying paper with title and seal is heavily damaged with many tears. The wooden storage box shows two cracks on the lid and bears an inscription, likely the name of a former owner. Please refer to the photos for further details of its condition. Dimensions: approx. H 9.2 cm W 8.3 cm D 8.3 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!