I'm not certain if the sweets inside the bowl are from Sekisaka, as indicated by the outer box or wrapping. On the underside of the lid: 敷島の大和心を人間はば　本居宣長の和歌 (Shikishima no Yamato kokoro wo hito towaba, Motoori Norinaga's waka) According to AI assistance: Motoori Norinaga was a scholar of Japanese classical literature in the mid-Edo period, as well as a poet and physician. His representative waka poem is "Shikishima no Yamato kokoro wo hito towaba asahi ni niou yamazakura bana" (If someone asks what the Yamato spirit is, I would say it is the mountain cherry blossoms that shine in the morning sun). This poem was written by Norinaga at the age of 61, accompanying his self-portrait. Meaning of the poem and "Shikishima" This poem means, "If someone asks what the Yamato spirit is, I would answer that it is the mountain cherry blossoms that beautifully reflect in the morning sun." "Shikishima" here is another name for Japan and is a pillow word for "Yamato." Also, the word "niou" (匂ふ) not only means "to smell" as it is used today, but also meant "to bloom beautifully, to shine" at the time. The concept of "Yamato kokoro" The "Yamato kokoro" that Norinaga put into this poem refers to the original, natural heart of Japan before being influenced by foreign ideas such as Confucianism and Buddhism. He found that "Yamato kokoro" in the pure beauty of the mountain cherry blossoms blooming in the morning sun, without any reasoning. In other words, it can be interpreted that the sincere heart that is moved by beautiful things is "Yamato kokoro." Interpretation and use in later generations This poem was selected for the "Patriotic Hyakunin Isshu" (a collection of one hundred poems) during the Pacific War, as an expression of the Japanese spirit. And words like "Shikishima," "Yamato," "Asahi (morning sun)," and "Yamazakura (mountain cherry blossoms)" have a history of being used as symbols of reverence for the Emperor and patriotism, such as being used in the names of battleships and special attack units. However, it is said that Norinaga's original intention in the poem was not to praise the purity of the moment of falling or bravery, but rather the heart that is moved by the beauty of pure nature. I don't know the details beyond that. Due to long-term home storage, there may be storage odors, mold, damage, and chips. Please purchase with your understanding and acceptance of antiques, artifacts, vintage items, and used items. Please purchase with your understanding and acceptance of antiques, vintage items, and used items. 60 size