‘Bai,’ plum tree, was originally brought over from overseas and it first symbolized the elegance of continental culture. It wasn’t until the Edo period where the beauty of ‘Bai’ became the embodiment and symbol of hope. Delicate pink and white flowers welcome us out of winter and, even in the frost of early spring, these flowers bloom and give us hope in the new year. With the beauty and durability fitting for Shochikubai, this design is made out of Urushi, Japanese lacquer, and delicately detailed with gold, in an ink washed painting style.