Natsume (tea caddy) lacquer and gold, hana ikada (flower raft) motif by Hosoya Eisai
This natsume (Japanese tea box) was handcrafted using traditional urushi lacquer techniques applied in several layers to a very light wooden container, the final layers with a very beautiful, dense, shiny black lacquer. This is a large natsume (ō-natsume), used when preparing usucha tea (thin tea) in the Japanese tea ceremony.
Its delicate decoration represents the poetic hana ikada motif, a "flower raft" evoking the petals and leaves floating on the surface of rivers in spring and autumn, symbolizing the passing of the seasons and the ephemeral beauty of nature. This fine and detailed motif is executed in gold powder maki-e with effects of slight relief (takamaki-e) and subtle polishing giving depth and brilliance to the decorative elements, accentuated by touches of nashiji (sprinkled gold powder). The interior of the natsume is covered in a glossy black lacquer with an elegant gold border around the neck.
This natsume was created by Hosoya Eisai, a Japanese lacquer master active in Kyoto, specializing in traditional maki-e and tea ceremony objects. Heir to a lineage of refined artisans, Hosoya Eisai is known for his elegant and meticulous decorations, combining classic Japanese aesthetic motifs with highly precise techniques. His work is prized by chadō enthusiasts for its rigor and refinement.
This is a unique example dating from the Heisei era (1989-2019). It comes with its protective paulownia wood box (tomobako) inscribed with the name of the work, the artisan's signature, and their official seal, as well as its protective pouch (shifuku), a rare, custom-made, luxurious brocade textile traditionally used to protect precious objects during transport and storage. The natsume is also signed by the artisan under its base.
| PLACE OF MANUFACTURE | JAPAN |
| DIMENSIONS |
Diameter 8cm - Height 8cm. |
| WEIGHT | Natsume alone: 72gr; natsume + box: 208gr |
| 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.