Shipping will be at the cheaper rate until the 16th. After that, it will be sent with the recipient paying the shipping costs. This item has been stored in a cupboard for a long time and is unused. Since there is no box, I will wrap it securely in something else to prevent damage. It is a vermilion and gold-rimmed New Year's-style stew bowl, which is considered auspicious. Returns are at the customer's expense.