Natsume (Japanese tea caddy) in lacquer and gold, decorated with spring grasses by Sōsui Shimizu

This natsume (a container for matcha powder used in the Japanese tea ceremony) by Sōsui Shimizu is part of the great tradition of Wajima lacquerware, particularly prized in the world of chanoyu (tea ceremony). On this chō natsume, the lacquer artist has created a finely detailed spring-themed decoration, where the brilliance of gold, the depth of black, and the delicacy of mother-of-pearl combine to form a refined, elegant, and highly accomplished piece.

The Artisan

This natsume was made by the lacquer artist Sōsui Shimizu, artist name of Shimizu Shōzō, born in 1921 in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture. Trained from a young age by his father Shimizu Shōsaku, he then worked in a workshop in the city before establishing himself independently in 1965. His work is rooted in the Wajima tradition and focuses particularly on objects intended for chanoyu, especially natsume.

Decoration and Techniques

The decoration combines very fine maki-e (gold powder), partly treated as hiramaki-e (flat decoration) and partly as taka maki-e (relief decoration). The deep black exterior background has a particularly meticulous roiro (mirror) finish. The composition depicts spring grasses, with warabi (fern) shoots, zenmai (royal fern), and tsukushi (horsetail), accompanied by small flowers. Two vertical motifs are treated in raden (mother-of-pearl), providing a subtle luminous contrast. Some details feature kirikane (cut gold) inlays. The interior is made of very fine silver nashiji (powdered ground). This spring decoration evokes plant renewal and aligns with the seasonal themes of chanoyu.

Shape and Use

This chō natsume (small natsume) is used in the tea ceremony for the preparation of usucha (light tea). Its size corresponds to a use where the simplicity of the gesture and the balance of the object contribute to the harmony of the service.

Presentation

The piece is accompanied by a signed tomobako (wooden box), bearing the name of the work and the artisan's seal, fastened by a sanadahimo (cord), as well as a protective tomonuno (cloth) also bearing his seal. The natsume is signed at its base.

Place of Manufacture
Japan, Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture

Period
Heisei Era (1989-2019)

Dimensions
Diameter 7 cm - Height 7.5 cm

Weight
Natsume alone: 59 g
Natsume with boxes: 184 g

Materials
Wood, urushi lacquer, maki-e (gold powder), raden (mother-of-pearl)

Condition
Very good condition