This is a covered soup bowl by Nagano Yokote, a master of Kyoto maki-e lacquerware. The first Yokote founded the workshop around 1804, and the family line is said to have ended with the death of the second Yokote in 1854. The painting on the underside of the lids is all the same, but the exterior color varies between black and a slightly brownish hue. The size of the bowls is the same, so the only difference is the color. It's unclear whether the colors were originally different or if they have faded over time. It might be a good idea to use the bowls with similar colors together. Unfortunately, the inside of the bowls show some discoloration. Considering the good condition of the exterior, it's likely these were used and cherished while being served to guests. If the inside wasn't discolored, these would be quite expensive. Even if you had a contemporary craftsman refinish the inside, it would still be a reasonable price. While one might hesitate to use such valuable items, in this condition, you can use them without worry. They would be perfect for use in a high-class restaurant or a small, refined eatery. They are of such quality that you could even have the inside refinished after using them for a while. Six bowls have discoloration inside, and the remaining four likely have slight discoloration as well. One bowl has a small chip. Otherwise, there are no noticeable cracks or chips. Width: 10.3cm, Height: 7cm, Height to the top of the lid: 10cm Search terms: Wajima-nuri (Wajima lacquerware)