Natsume (Japanese tea caddy) in lacquer and gold, decorated with akikusa (autumn herbs) by Sakon Ogura

This natsume (the tin in which matcha powder is placed during the Japanese tea ceremony) by Sakon Ogura is a superb piece. On a lightweight wooden container, entirely covered in a mirror-like black urushi lacquer ( roiro ), unfolds a design of akikusa autumn grasses and flowers, rendered in varying shades of gold to create a very elegant effect. The extreme delicacy of the lines, the variety of textures, and the beauty of the motif, as well as the fact that this natsume was personally selected and recommended by Hōunsai, the fifteenth grand master of the Urasenke school, make it a truly unique work.

Decor and techniques
The decoration is executed according to the Japanese maki-e tradition, with a background of gold dusted with nashiji powder, worked in varying densities, from a very tight grain similar to konashiji ( konashiji grain) to a more airy dusting that allows the depth of the black to show through. Against this background stand out stems of grasses and autumn flowers. The stems, leaves, and petals alternate between flat gold decoration ( hiramaki-e flat) and delicate relief decoration ( taka maki-e relief), with denser areas of gold powder in the flower centers, creating a particularly refined play of light. The interior of the natsume is covered with a glossy black lacquer with a mirror finish (roiro), which contrasts with the richness of the exterior decoration. Inside the lid is the red kao, the personal calligraphic mark of Hōunsai, the fifteenth Grand Master of the Urasenke school of tea, while the inside of the protective box bears his calligraphy. In the chanoyu tradition, the presence of this kao and inscription signifies that the master officially selected and recommended this natsume for use in the tea ceremony, thus adding to the room's prestige. Hōunsai, also known as Hansō Sōshitsu, passed away in August 2025 at the age of one hundred and two.

Form and use
This piece is an ōnatsume, a natsume used in the tea ceremony for serving light tea (usucha). Its large size is designed for situations where several bowls are prepared in succession, and its capacity and proportions make it a utensil particularly well-suited to the various uses of chanoyu.

The craftsman
This natsume was crafted by Sakon Ogura, the ninth of that name, a master lacquerer from Kyoto belonging to an ancient lineage specializing in chanoyu (teahouse) utensils. Active throughout the 20th century, he received an award at the 25th Kyoto Prefectural Handicrafts Exhibition in 1972, followed by another in 1976 at the Kyoto Prefectural Traditional Techniques Competition, the same year he was designated a Traditional Craftsman by the former Ministry of International Trade and Industry. In 1985, the family workshop was recognized by Kyoto Prefecture for its longevity and the continuity of its craftsmanship. Sakon Ogura's work focuses on natsume, kōgō (tea bowls), and other tea objects, executed with exceptionally precise maki-e (leaf brushwork) and a strong sense of classical motifs.

Presentation
This piece dates from the Heisei era (1989-2019). It comes with its protective paulownia wood ( kiribako ) box, closed with a cord ( sanadahimo ), and bears the artist's signature as well as Master Hōunsai's calligraphy. The inside of the natsume lid also bears Master Hōunsai's red kao. A protective cloth ( tomonuno ) bearing the artisan's seal and signature, along with an informational document about the artisan ( shiori ), complete the set.

Place of manufacture
Japan, Kyoto (Kyoto Prefecture).

Dimensions
Inner diameter 7.5 cm, Height 7.5 cm.

Weight
Natsume alone: ​​88 g
Natsume with boxes: 221 g

Materials
Wood, Japanese urushi lacquer, gold powder

Condition
Very good condition.