【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 late Edo to Meiji period writing box set features an elegant combination of bamboo and plum blossom motifs executed in maki-e lacquer, with a rich nashiji ground that gives the surface a warm, shimmering depth. The lid displays a graceful composition of a plum tree in bloom beside slender bamboo leaves, while the interior is fully finished in nashiji and decorated with numerous small plum blossoms applied in fine maki-e. In Japanese symbolism, plum blossoms represent resilience and renewal, as they bloom at the end of winter and herald the arrival of spring. Bamboo stands for strength, flexibility and upright character. Together, the pairing of plum and bamboo is associated with perseverance, purity and good fortune. Inside the set are a stone inkstone, a copper water dropper and a removable tray for brush placement. A wooden storage box is included, though it is not the original. Maki-e is a traditional Japanese decorative technique where gold or silver powder is sprinkled onto wet lacquer to produce intricate designs. Nashiji employs a similar method, using gold or silver flecks to achieve a pear skin-like texture, offering a unique shimmer and depth to the surface. Condition shows one large crack to one corner and noticeable wood chips. The lacquer has wear, discolouration, small cracks, dents, minor scratches and areas of loss. The copper water dropper also shows discolouration. Please refer to the photos for full details. Dimensions: approx. H 24.3 cm W 22.5 cm D 5 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!