These are a pair of lidded bowls from Yamada Heiando, purveyor to the Imperial Household Agency and supplier of lacquerware to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and embassies around the world. I received these as a gift for a celebration, but I never used them because I felt they were too precious. I opened the box and admired them several times, but I never actually ate soup from these lacquered bowls. They are over 25 years old, but in very good condition. The bowls are made of cherry wood and decorated with young pine leaves using maki-e, a traditional lacquer art technique. They come in the original paulownia wood box, as shown in the images. Lacquered items are also popular with people from overseas. Currently, similar bowls are made of Japanese zelkova (keyaki) wood (see image 8), but these are made of cherry wood, making them a fine item. Please see the price for reference. How about these for those who enjoy table coordination? They have a lovely, refined atmosphere. The wrapping paper inside the box has discolored and wrinkled with age, but will be included as is when shipped. The paulownia wood box also shows signs of wear from long-term storage. Please understand. The bowls will be wrapped in cushioning material for shipping. Lacquered bowls