This is a maki-e (lacquer sprinkled design) incense container, a traditional Japanese craft. Item: Mirugai (sea snail) Maki-e Incense Container Purpose: An incense container (kogo) is a small, lidded container used to store incense, and is one of the tea ceremony utensils. Technique: It is decorated with maki-e and raden (mother-of-pearl) work, and the surface is beautifully painted with designs of sea pine (miru) and shells. Features: This incense container features a classic design called "Mirugai." It is a very refined tea utensil with the gold, vermilion, and iridescent blue shell designs shining against a jet-black background. There is some evidence of use, but there are no noticeable scratches, and I believe the condition is particularly good. Please consider this item with the understanding that it is a used, old item. Please check the condition in the images.