I
received a package from Japan the other day, a rather inexpensive purchase off
of a ubiquitous auction website everyone seems goes to. I think the total of
the purchase with shipping was under $65 but despite that fact, the dealer/
shipper took every effort and thoughtful consideration to insure the contents
would arrive just as they were shipped. As is clear from the photo, once I
opened the box, there was a perfect level of crushed newspaper which peeled up,
fully intact as a single sheet of material though composed of a dozen or more
sheets of paper, the bottom of the package was made in exactly the same manner.
I suspect that once the bottom was laid in, the box was paced in the middle and
then the newspaper buffer was put in with enough care that it can also be
lifted out as a single cube, open on both ends. Once completed, the top panel
was put in and the cardboard box sealed and labeled. As can be seen in the rear
of the box, there is a small crushed area that stood up well due to the
exacting and caring way in which the pot was packed.
I know it may seem
trivial to expound on the virtues of good packing but such efforts are not to
be overlooked and as often as I say a good bowl can be ruined by a bad foot, a
good pot can easily be ruined by bad packing. I can say that over the years I
have personally lived through a number of broken pots sent my way, a few that I
shipped, though one large box was actually driven over and I cannot relate the
number of horror stories I have heard, simply put, there is no such thing as
common sense packing, it is a skill and deserves to be applauded. Thanks for
the unique and dedicated packing!
(I probably should mention that I
was also very pleased with the contents of the thorough packing, a very fine
chawan that I will put up at some later date.)
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