Natsume (Japanese tea caddy) lacquered and gilded, cherry blossom decoration by Mineharu Kawakami

This natsume (a container for matcha powder used in the Japanese tea ceremony) by Mineharu Kawakami is a beautiful, high-quality piece, representative of a contemporary sensibility applied to a great classical theme of Japanese arts. On a wooden container entirely covered with deep black Japanese urushi lacquer, a cherry blossom decoration in gold powder unfolds with great visual sobriety. The crispness of the design, the depth of the black lacquer, and the calm elegance of the whole give this natsume a very fitting presence in the world of chanoyu.

The artisan
This natsume was created by contemporary lacquer artist Mineharu Kawakami, associated with the Kaga maki-e tradition, in the Kanazawa region, Ishikawa prefecture.

He is linked to the Maehata kōbō workshop, a renowned craft structure where urushi lacquer objects are made, especially for chanoyu utensils, with a transmission of techniques specific to this tradition.

The Kaga region is one of the major centers of Japanese lacquer. Kaga maki-e is distinguished by its great precision of design, mastery of metallic powders, and particular attention paid to the balance between decoration and surface. Natsume from this tradition are recognized for their fine execution and their suitability for the uses of the tea ceremony.

Decoration and techniques
The decoration is made in maki-e (gold powders), using a hiramaki-e technique (low-relief decoration), perceptible in the light modeling of the flowers. The petals are treated in matte gold, while their heart has a nashiji effect (gold powdered ground), obtained by dispersing fine gold particles in the lacquer, creating a denser and more luminous texture.

The composition unfolds airily over the entire natsume, with a refined design that gives the piece a contemporary sensibility despite its classical theme. The background and interior are covered with black lacquer, the polishing of which gives the surface a clear depth and brilliance.

The sakura (cherry blossom) motif evokes spring and ephemeral nature, a fundamental theme in Japanese aesthetics and particularly present in objects related to chanoyu.

Shape and use
This chūnatsume (medium natsume) is used during the tea ceremony for usucha (light tea). Its balanced proportions and simple lines fully enhance the decoration.

Presentation
This piece is presented in a double box, including an outer cardboard box, then a tomobako (wooden box) bearing the name of the work, the artisan's signature and seal, as well as a protective cloth (tomonuno) bearing the artist's seal.

Place of manufacture
Japan, Kaga region, Ishikawa prefecture

Period
Heisei era (1989-2019)

Dimensions
Diameter 6.8 cm - Height 7 cm

Weight
Natsume alone: 57 g
Natsume with boxes: 208 g

Materials
Wood, urushi lacquer (lacquer), maki-e (gold powder)

Condition
Very good condition