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