Natsume (Japanese tea caddy) in lacquer and gold, decorated with matsu (pine trees) and chidori (plunder trees) by Ikkō Kiyose

This natsume (a container used for matcha powder during the Japanese tea ceremony) signed by Ikkō Kiyose, a highly renowned lacquer master from Kanazawa, is a remarkable work of art. Across its hira-natsume form unfolds a sumptuous design of pine trees (matsu, symbolizing longevity) and plovers (chidori, symbolizing perseverance), executed in gold powder with exceptional meticulousness, enriched by a background of fine gold dust that adds extra brilliance to the black lacquer. The high-precision drawing, the delicacy of the reliefs, and the absolute mastery of the powdering technique give this piece a rare presence, revealing all the expertise of a great name in Japanese maki-e.

Decor and techniques
The decor, created according to the Japanese maki-e tradition using gold powder, combines relief work (taka maki-e) for the pines and chidori birds with flat decoration (hiramaki-e) for certain transitions within the motif. The exterior background is treated in sunago maki-e (an exceptionally fine dusting of gold powder), which brings a luminous vibration to the black lacquer. This surface extends toward the base with a gradual accumulation of gold powder in hiramaki-e, forming a solid golden area. The design unfolds around the entire natsume, creating a beautiful effect from any angle.

The interior, lid, and bowl are treated in nashiji (sprinkled gold), offering a warm and shimmering depth. The piece is distinguished by the mastery of the stroke, the fineness of the modeling, and the balance between dark areas and gilded surfaces. The pine motif, a symbol of constancy and longevity, associated with the chidori, traditionally linked to endurance against the elements, creates an auspicious combination frequently appreciated in the aesthetics of chanoyu.

Form and usage
This shallow natsume (hira-natsume), whose shape recalls a go-stone container, is primarily used during the tea ceremony for koicha, or thick tea, in certain schools. Its wide, balanced proportions particularly highlight the display of the design.

The artisan
This natsume was created by master craftsman Ikkō Kiyose, born in 1942 in Kanazawa, a lacquer master recognized for his mastery of maki-e. The heir to a lineage of craftsmen, he succeeded his father in 1986 and was designated a traditional master craftsman in 1995 (an official recognition guaranteeing expertise, authenticity, prestige, and market value). His works are highly prized on the art market and within the world of chanoyu (the tea ceremony).

Presentation
This unique piece dates from the Heisei era (1989-2019). It comes accompanied by a protective paulownia wood box (kiribako) secured with a cord (sanadahimo), bearing the artist's name, his official seal, and the title of the work, as well as a custom-made textile pouch (shifuku), an additional sign of its preciousness.

Place of manufacture
Japan (Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture)

Dimensions
Diameter 8.6 cm - Height 6.2 cm

Weight
Natsume only: 81 g
Natsume with box: 219 g

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

Condition
Very good condition.