this comparatively small but sturdily constructed box of paulownia wood contains a paste made of sea urchins: a gourmet food long relished in Japan. the material and style of the box suggest the high quality of the contents, for paulownia is a favourite wood for packaging luxury items, and here it is used with simple but tasteful effect. seals of dyed paper, imitating sqaures of woven fabric, add to the feeling of luxury. the charmingly old-fashioned label reflects the long history of the shop, which was founded in 1804 in Fukui City.