Natsume (Japanese tea caddy), lacquer and gold, gosho guruma (aristocratic carriage) decoration by Hayashi Shūzan
This natsume (a tea caddy in which matcha powder is placed during the Japanese tea ceremony) by Hayashi Shūzan features a gosho guruma (aristocratic carriage) design, an emblematic motif of Japanese court culture. Made with gold powder on a deep black lacquer background, the design is distinguished by the precision of its lines, the finesse of its details and the subtle treatment of the sprinkled gold powder landscape, giving the whole a beautiful elegance perfectly suited to the aesthetics of chanoyu.
The Artisan
This natsume was made by Hayashi Shūzan, a lacquerer active in Wajima (Ishikawa Prefecture, one of the major centers of Japanese urushi lacquerware, renowned for the quality of its wooden bases, the meticulous preparation of surfaces and the delicate nature of its maki-e designs) during the Shōwa era (1926-1989). It is part of the tradition of Japanese urushi lacquerware linked to chanoyu, characterized by high technical standards and a particular attention to the quality of maki-e designs.
Decoration and techniques
The decoration is executed in hiramaki-e (flat design), with gold powder applied with great precision to draw the gosho guruma and the surrounding elements, including very delicate pines. The carriage is structured by fine lines and enhanced with red and green pigments that accentuate the contrasts. The bottom of the lid is treated with konashiji (fine nashiji) to suggest a hilly landscape, the upper part of which has silver powdering to represent the top of the hills. The exterior surface is in glossy black lacquer, highlighting the brilliance of the decoration. The interior is in black lacquer with fine gold borders. The gosho guruma (aristocratic carriage) motif represents the carriages used by the Japanese nobility during the Heian period. It frequently appears in Japanese arts, particularly in painting and lacquerware, where it evokes the elegance of the court, classical culture, and a refined imagery associated with this period.
Form and use
This low natsume (hira-natsume), whose shape resembles a go stone box, is mainly used during the tea ceremony for koicha, the thick tea, in certain schools. Its wide and balanced proportions particularly highlight the display of the decoration.
Presentation
This piece is accompanied by a tomobako (wooden box) bearing the name of the work, the artisan's signature and his seal, tied with a sanadahimo (braided cord)
Place of manufacture
Japan, Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture
Period
Shōwa era (1926-1989)
Dimensions
Diameter 7.6 cm - Height 5.2 cm
Weight
Natsume alone: 57 g
Natsume with box: 157 g
Materials
Wood, urushi lacquer, maki-e (gold powder), pigments
Condition
Very good condition
© Atelier Ikiwa – Laurence Corteggiani. All photographs and text are protected. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.
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 AND PAYMENT OPTIONS
Shipping
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Returns and exchanges
14 days to change your mind. Learn more >
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
Exceptional items are wrapped in textiles tied according to the Korean pojagi art