【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 Showa period Japanese suzuribako (inkstone box) is titled “First Sound,” a poetic term referring to the first call of a nightingale at the beginning of spring. In Japanese culture, this phrase symbolises renewal, auspicious beginnings, and the quiet arrival of a new season. The box is finished in a refined black lacquer ground, with the lid decorated in gold maki-e depicting pine trees, plum blossoms, and stylised waves. The pine tree symbolises longevity, steadfastness, and endurance. Plum blossoms represent renewal, hope, and the promise of spring, as they bloom while winter still lingers. The wave motif conveys continuity, resilience, and the constant flow of life. Together, these motifs form an auspicious composition associated with perseverance, renewal, and harmony. Maki-e is a traditional Japanese decorative technique where gold or silver powder is sprinkled onto wet lacquer to produce intricate designs. Inside, the box includes a removable flat board. The piece is signed by Gyokuhō. The underside of the lid bears the inscription “Gift from a group of contributors,” indicating that this suzuribako was originally presented as a commemorative or celebratory gift. The piece comes with its original wooden storage box, which features a handwritten title, signature, and seal. There is light wear, minor blemishes, and areas of discolouration consistent with age. The lid of the wooden box shows some warping and patina. Good used condition, appropriate for a Showa period lacquerware piece. Please refer to the photos for details. Dimensions: approx. H 4 cm W 18.3 cm D 24.3 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!