Natsume (Japanese tea caddy) in lacquer and gold, decorated with paulownia and bamboo by Shunsai Maehata II
This natsume (the tin in which matcha powder is placed during the Japanese tea ceremony) by Shunsai Maehata II features an elegant gold powder decoration on a deep black urushi lacquer. The broad paulownia leaves and bamboo stalks unfold with gusto, creating a balanced and highly legible floral composition. The contrast between the luminous gold and the glossy black background gives this piece a remarkable presence, typical of the finest utensils used in chanoyu (the way of tea).
The craftsman
This natsume was crafted by Shunsai Maehata II, also known as Gahō Maehata, a lacquerware artist from Yamanaka in Ishikawa Prefecture. Born in 1936, he was the eighth generation of the Maehata lineage. He is particularly renowned and sought after for his natsume and other tea utensils, where the decorative tradition of Yamanaka is applied to the exquisite and exquisite craftsmanship of maki-e.
Decor and techniques
The decoration is created using maki-e (gold powder) on a black urushi lacquer background with a roiro (mirror-polished) finish. The motifs are executed in hiramaki-e (flat decoration), with a particularly dense layer of gold powder that creates a subtle visual relief and a shimmering effect, accentuated by nashiji (sprinkles of gold) on certain motifs.
The composition combines kiri (paulownia) and take (bamboo), two classic motifs in Japanese decorative arts. The broad paulownia leaves structure the scene, while the bamboo stalks and leaves complement the movement of the design. In Japanese symbolism, paulownia evokes nobility and good fortune, while bamboo symbolizes integrity and strength.
The inside of the lid and the cup is finished in black urushi lacquer.
Form and use
This is a hira-natsume, whose shape resembles a go stone box. It is mainly used for koicha (thick tea) in some schools.
Presentation
The piece comes with its kiribako protective box, signed by the craftsman.
Place of manufacture
Japan, Yamanaka, Ishikawa prefecture
Period
End of the Shōwa era (1926-1989), beginning of the Heisei era (1989-2019)
Dimensions
Diameter 8.5 cm - Height 6 cm
Weight
Natsume alone: 80 g
Natsume with boxes: 169 g
Materials
Wood, urushi lacquer (lacquer), maki e (gold powder)
Condition
Very good condition.
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
Delivery
Free delivery in mainland France for purchases over €200. Orders are generally dispatched within 2 working days, except in special cases, as indicated in the banner at the top of the website.
Precious items are wrapped in beautiful fabric, beautifully knotted according to the precious Korean art of pojagi. Some exceptions apply, especially if the items are large. Learn more >
Detailed delivery information is available via this link >
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Payment methods
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Returns and exchanges
14 days to change your mind.
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
Precious objects are wrapped in textiles tied using the Korean art of pojagi.