Natsume (tea caddy) gold lacquer, chiku-rin (bamboo forest) motif by Arai Masaharu
This natsume (Japanese tea caddy) is handcrafted using traditional urushi lacquer techniques, applied in several layers to a very lightweight wooden container. It is a small natsume (ko-natsume), used in the preparation of usucha (light tea) in the Japanese tea ceremony.
The piece is decorated with a sumptuous bamboo forest motif ( chiku-rin ). The slender stems and leaves, delicately executed using several techniques, are rendered in gold maki-e in both light relief ( takamakie ) and reliefless ( togidashi ), with remarkable finesse. Small pieces of gold metal cut into regular geometric patterns enrich certain stems, using the kirikane technique, adding precious and sophisticated bursts of light. The base of the natsume is dressed in a rich sprinkled gold powder ( nashiji ), creating a shimmering gradient evoking a ground dotted with light, while the interior is covered in a shiny silver finish ( ginji ), bringing an elegant contrast to the entire piece.
This natsume was created by Arai Masaharu, a Japanese master lacquer artist born in 1920 and based in Sakai (Fukui Prefecture), renowned for the finesse of his maki-e decorations and his mastery of classical techniques such as togidashi, nashiji, and kirikane. His work, at the crossroads of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary aesthetics, is appreciated for its refinement and high standards.
This piece dates from the Shōwa period (1926-1989). It comes with its protective paulownia wood box (tomobako), on which are inscribed the name of the work, the artisan's signature and official seal, as well as an information document (shiori) detailing the artisan's profile.
| PLACE OF MANUFACTURE | JAPAN |
| DIMENSIONS |
Diameter 6.4cm - Height 6.7cm. |
| WEIGHT | Natsume alone: 62gr; natsume + box: 184gr |
| MATERIALS | Wood, urushi lacquer, maki-e (gold powder) |
| STATE | In very good condition |
KNOW-HOW
Natsume (棗) are small boxes with few variations in shape and dimensions (which are codified), and which are made of Japanese urushi lacquer, welcoming the matcha tea powder during the traditional Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu and sadō). They are magnificent objects that can be used for tea or superb decorative pieces to collect and to position individually or grouped on a pretty tray or in a display case. Modern productions are more often made of resin and not lacquer, and of molded wood powder or plastic. We only offer authentic traditional natsume in real Japanese urushi lacquer made according to the rules of the art. These objects are rare and precious, they are likely to increase in value. Read our article on natsume >
Traditional Japanese lacquer, urushi, comes from the sap of the lacquer tree (Rhus Verniciflua), which flows after incision of the bark. It is a very precious material, a tree will give a maximum of 200ml of sap in its life, which is worked by specialized craftsmen. It takes many operations, slow and meticulous, and several months of work to bring real lacquer objects to life. It is the oldest craft in Japan! Initially used to protect and waterproof objects, this immutable craft has become an art of extreme sophistication. If you want to know more about the art of Japanese lacquer, you can read our dedicated article > .
DELIVERY
Delivery
Free delivery in metropolitan France for purchases over €150. Orders are generally sent within 2 working days, except in special cases announced in the banner at the top of the site.
Precious items are wrapped in beautiful cloth, beautifully tied in the precious art of Korean pojagi. Some exceptions apply, especially if the items are bulky. Learn more >
Detailed information on deliveries is available via this link >
Your invoice will be sent by email
Payment methods
By card (Stripe operator): Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express.
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Returns and exchanges
14 days to change your mind.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Clean with a very soft cloth to avoid scratches, soaked in a little warm water if necessary (never soak your lacquer objects). No microwave, dishwasher, dryer. Do not expose to direct sunlight for a long time (risk of discoloration). If the atmosphere is very dry and very hot, and to avoid the risk of cracking, you can place a glass filled with water next to your lacquer object.
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The art of wrapping
The exceptional items are wrapped in a beautiful fabric beautifully knotted using the little-known art of Korean pojagi and decorated with a delightful maedup (Korean ornamental knot). Details and conditions >
WRAPPING
Precious objects are wrapped in textiles tied using the Korean art of pojagi.