Natsume (Japanese tea caddy) in lacquer and gold, landscape decoration by Mokudai Sōhō

This natsume (the box in which matcha powder is placed during the Japanese tea ceremony) is by the master lacquer artist Mokudai Sōhō, an artist from Wajima. Made using the techniques of the highly regarded Wajima nuri (Wajima lacquer), this piece features a superb sansui landscape (mountains and waters) decorated with gold powder and inlaid with mother-of-pearl and gold leaf. The richness of the decoration, the luminosity of the nashiji (sprinkles of gold), and the depth of the black lacquer interior give this natsume a particularly elegant presence.

The craftsman

Mokudai Sōhō was a master lacquerer from Wajima, on the Noto Peninsula, a region historically renowned for the quality of its Wajima nuri lacquer. Born in 1921, he belonged to the generation of artisans who contributed to the flourishing of this tradition in the 20th century. His work focused on the production of utensils for chanoyu (the tea ceremony), particularly natsume (small lacquered objects) and other lacquerware used in the tea ceremony. He is recognized for the exquisite detail of his maki-e (openwork) designs and for his landscape compositions inspired by Japanese pictorial tradition.

Decor and techniques

The decoration is executed on a wooden container covered with urushi lacquer (lacquer) using the maki-e (gold powder) technique. The exterior surface is treated with nashiji (gold powder ground) of varying density, producing a luminous depth effect.

The composition depicts a sansui landscape unfolding across the entire piece. Several pavilions, nestled within a landscape of hills and pine trees, appear on the lid. The architectural relief is achieved through taka maki e (relief decoration). The decoration extends into a lively waterscape, including a river, a waterfall, and a waterwheel. Stylized clouds structure the composition.

Certain areas of the landscape incorporate raden (mother-of-pearl) inlays, creating iridescent reflections that contrast with the gold of the decor. Elements of kirikane (cut gold leaf) also punctuate the composition.

The interior of the natsume is coated with a carefully polished glossy black lacquer, creating a marked contrast with the richly gilded exterior.

The sansui landscape, a major motif in Japanese aesthetics, evokes an ideal world of harmonious nature and contemplative retreat. In the context of chanoyu, this type of setting reflects the spirit of simplicity, serenity, and communion with nature that characterizes the Way of Tea.

Form and use

This natsume belongs to the chū natsume format (medium-sized natsume), intended to contain the matcha powder used for the preparation of usucha (light tea) during the Japanese tea ceremony.

Presentation

The piece comes with its kiribako (paulownia wood box) signed by the craftsman.

Place of manufacture

Japan (Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture)

Dimensions

Diameter 7 cm - Height 7.5 cm

Weight

Natsume alone: ​​69 g
Natsume with boxes: 189 g

Materials

Wood, urushi lacquer, maki e (gold powder), raden (mother-of-pearl), kirikane (cut gold leaf)

Condition

Very good condition.