越前漆器，屠苏器，本坚地，沈金松竹梅鹤龟，金蒔絵，迎春，正月 - 木, 漆 - 日本 - Shōwa period (1926-1989)

Size

*屠蘇器　A toso vessel is a sake vessel used to drink medicinal sake called toso. A toso vessel consists of a toso stand, a sake cup stand, a sake cup, a choshi, and a choshi decoration. The choshi is made of the noble color vermilion lacquer, or black lacquer, white silver, or tin, and the sake cups are three-tiered vermilion lacquer cups.

蒔絵　*Makie
This is a method of decorating the surface of lacquerware by drawing patterns or pictures on the surface of the lacquerware and then sprinkling gold or silver powder on it before it dries.

沈金 *Chinkin
is a technique in which a pattern is carved into the painted surface using a chisel (sword), lacquer is rubbed into the recesses created after the carving, and gold or silver leaf or powder is pushed into it. It is called ``chinkin'' because the gold sinks into the hollow.

本堅地　*Honkataji
There are two types of base coats used in traditional lacquerwork: "honkataji," which uses lacquer in all processes, and "handaji" and "doroji," which use glue extracted from cow bones instead of lacquer.
In both cases, whetstone powder and crushed shale, also known as sawdust or ground powder, are used, but the big difference is whether lacquer or glue is used to harden them.
First, about honkataji.
When lacquer hardens, it becomes very hard and has strong adhesive properties.
Also, once it hardens, it does not dissolve at all in water or solvents.
Therefore, a base coat made by mixing lacquer with whetstone powder, ground powder, or rice paste becomes very strong and resistant to humidity and water when hardened.
Honkataji is also used for lacquerware bowls that are exposed to water and hot water.
The very hardness of honkataji makes it difficult to polish, but on the other hand, this property can be used to make fine adjustments to the polishing process.
As a result, although it takes more time, it is possible to create precisely smooth flat surfaces and sharp corners.
Although it takes longer to build and is more expensive, it is still the best base for on-site lacquering.

*越前漆器The origins of Echizen lacquerware are said to date back about 1,500 years. In the 6th century, at the end of the Kofun period. When Emperor Keitai, the 26th emperor, was still a prince, he ordered a lacquerer from Katayama village (present-day Katayama-cho, Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture) to repair his broken crown.

The lacquerer repaired the crown with lacquer and presented the prince with a black lacquer bowl. The prince was so impressed by the workmanship that he encouraged the Katayama village to make lacquerware. This is said to be the beginning of Echizen lacquerware as we know it today.

Echizen has also had many lacquer craftsmen since ancient times. Lacquer craftsmen are craftsmen who collect lacquer sap by making scratches on lacquer trees, and at their peak they are said to have accounted for half of the lacquer craftsmen in the country. When the Nikko Toshogu Shrine was built, the Tokugawa Shogunate ordered Echizen to collect a large amount of lacquer sap. This shows how highly regarded the lacquer craftsmen of Echizen were. The existence of these lacquer trees also plays a major role in the formation of Echizen lacquerware production area.

Customers Information

1.Shipping Notification and Tracking

The shipment will be sent via Japan Post with fast delivery and a tracking number.
Please note that the item will be securely packed, meaning the package may be larger and heavier than the product itself.
We will also notify you via email with logistics updates.
However, please understand that Japan Post cannot control the courier companies overseas.
Kindly check your email for tracking updates and use the provided tracking number to track your shipment. We recommend tracking the package yourself using the provided logistics information.

2.Condition of Antique Items

As this is an antique item, it may have original creases, stains, damages, and other signs of age.
Please refer to the listing photos for an overview of the condition, but please keep in mind that it's difficult to capture all details through photos.

3.Additional Costs, Charges, and Declaration

Additional costs such as customs duties, import taxes, customs clearance, and handling fees may apply during shipment.
We will declare the product price (final auction bid amount) accurately for customs purposes.
If you have any specific requests or concerns, please contact us in advance.
These charges will be billed to you by the relevant parties at a later stage, if applicable.

4.Important Information for Italian Customers

Based on recent information from Japan Post, there have been some logistical issues with shipments to Italy, such as higher chances of customs duties, and delays or inaccuracies in tracking updates.
We kindly ask Italian customers to understand these potential issues when placing a bid.
Thank you for your understanding and support.