{"product_id":"natsume-boite-a-the-japonaise-laque-et-or-decor-de-tsuta-lierre-de-sokaku-murata","title":"Natsume (Japanese tea caddy) in lacquer and gold, decorated with tsuta (ivy) by Sōkaku Murata","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"662\" data-start=\"97\"\u003eThis natsume (a container for matcha powder used in the Japanese tea ceremony) by Sōkaku Murata is part of the grand tradition of Japanese urushi lacquerware applied to chanoyu (tea) utensils. Against a deep black background, a plant motif crafted with gold powder of remarkable brilliance unfolds broadly, covering much of the surface. The quality of execution, the precision of the design, and the contrast between the gilded surfaces and the black lacquer give this piece a very strong presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1432\" data-start=\"664\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Artisan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"676\" data-start=\"673\"\u003eThis natsume was made by Sōkaku Murata, a lacquer artist born in 1953 in Yamanaka, Ishikawa Prefecture, a region associated with the Yamanaka nuri (Yamanaka lacquerware) tradition and the lacquer arts of Kaga. After initial training with his father, he studied maki-e (gold powder decoration) with master Masanori Omote, before establishing himself as an independent artisan in 1980. His recognized and appreciated work is primarily dedicated to tea utensils. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1724\" data-start=\"1434\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDecoration and Techniques\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1456\" data-start=\"1453\"\u003eThe decoration is executed in maki-e, combining hiramaki-e (flat decoration) for the large metallic surfaces and taka maki-e (relief decoration) for certain floral elements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2224\" data-start=\"1726\"\u003eThe main leaves are rendered in particularly extensive gold solid areas, covering large portions of the natsume with remarkable density. These visually prominent gilded surfaces structure the entire decoration, while silver accents introduce cooler nuances and provide subtle contrast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2466\" data-start=\"2226\"\u003eThe background is glossy black lacquer, creating a stark contrast with the metallic motifs. The decoration unfolds continuously over the lid and body of the natsume, following a comprehensive composition characteristic of this repertoire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2609\" data-start=\"2468\"\u003eThe interior is black lacquer, with edges finished in fundame (matte gold), applied as a border on the rim of the lid and the body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2937\" data-start=\"2611\"\u003eThe tsuta (ivy) motif, here combined with floral elements, belongs to a classic chanoyu (tea) repertoire. It is executed according to a codified maki-e composition, stemming from a refined classical taste inherited from the aristocratic repertoire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3227\" data-start=\"2939\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShape and Use\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2956\" data-start=\"2953\"\u003eThis ōnatsume (large natsume) is intended for serving usucha (light tea) in the Japanese tea ceremony. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3513\" data-start=\"3229\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePresentation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"3244\" data-start=\"3241\"\u003eThis piece is presented with its tomobako (original wooden box) bearing the name of the work, the artisan's signature and seal, fastened with a sanadahimo (cord). It also comes with a tomonuno (protective cloth) bearing the artist's seal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3577\" data-start=\"3515\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlace of Manufacture\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"3537\" data-start=\"3534\"\u003eJapan, Yamanaka, Ishikawa Prefecture\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3594\" data-start=\"3579\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"3589\" data-start=\"3586\"\u003eHeisei Era (1989 - 2019)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3643\" data-start=\"3596\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"3609\" data-start=\"3606\"\u003eDiameter 7.3 cm - Height 7.5 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3705\" data-start=\"3645\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"3653\" data-start=\"3650\"\u003eNatsume alone: 66 g\u003cbr data-end=\"3676\" data-start=\"3673\"\u003eNatsume with boxes: 175 g\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3787\" data-start=\"3707\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterials\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"3719\" data-start=\"3716\"\u003eWood, urushi lacquer, gold and silver powders\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-is-only-node=\"\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-end=\"3858\" data-start=\"3789\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"3801\" data-start=\"3798\"\u003eVery good condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Les objets","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55654154109268,"sku":"LJ-CH-04-05","price":1180.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0593\/3439\/4039\/files\/natsume-laque-urushi-boite-the-matcha-artisanat-japonais-maki-e-poudre-or-shikki-chanoyu-murata-sokaku-atelier-ikiwa-6_9d156075-a7c6-4dad-92be-00a0cf14cfc1.jpg?v=1777392985","url":"https:\/\/www.atelierikiwa.com\/en\/products\/natsume-boite-a-the-japonaise-laque-et-or-decor-de-tsuta-lierre-de-sokaku-murata","provider":"Atelier Ikiwa","version":"1.0","type":"link"}