Natsume (Japanese tea caddy) lacquer and gold, hanaikada (flower rafts) design by Ken Matsumura

This hira natsume (a box used to hold matcha powder during the Japanese tea ceremony) by Ken Matsumura, a master lacquerer from Wajima, features a rich design of flower-laden rafts set against a background entirely covered in urushi lacquer and gold. The density of the gold powder, the finesse of the drawing, and the sense of movement in the water create a particularly luminous ensemble. The golden nuances and the delicate work on the floral motifs grant this piece a beautiful presence and great elegance.

The Artisan
Ken Matsumura is a Japanese master lacquerer from Wajima, in Ishikawa Prefecture, a major center for urushi lacquer. A specialist in maki-e, he belongs to the generation of artisans who helped gain recognition for Wajima lacquer in major Japanese art exhibitions. His work was selected three times for the prestigious Nitten, in 1971, 1973, and 1977. He was also awarded at the Ishikawa Prefecture Contemporary Art Exhibition and selected several times for the Kansai and Shin Nihon Kōgei art exhibitions. His career testifies to an artistic recognition that transcends the mere realm of traditional craftsmanship.

Design and Techniques
The design is executed according to the maki-e tradition (decoration with gold powder applied to urushi lacquer), an iconic technique of Japanese lacquerware. It combines hiramaki-e (flat decoration), used for fine lines and certain motifs, and takamaki-e (raised decoration), which gives the flowers volume through several layers of lacquer covered with gold powder.

The entire exterior surface is covered with a particularly dense nashiji background (fine gold particles scattered in the lacquer), which produces an intense shimmer. On this golden background appear rafts adorned with peonies, irises, and cherry blossoms. Long, sinuous lines represent currents, crossing the lid and extending onto the body of the natsume. The different tones of gold, the relief of the flowers, and the precision of the foliage imbue the design with all its richness.

The hanaikada (flower raft) motif depicts rafts adorned with floral arrangements floating along the water. Derived from the traditional Japanese decorative repertoire, it is particularly associated with spring blossoms and has appeared in lacquer arts since the Momoyama period (1573-1603). The flower-laden rafts and the ripples of the water here compose an animated scene, the movement of which contrasts with the peaceful shape of the natsume.

The interior of the lid and body is treated in gin-dame (a finish using silver powder covered with transparent lacquer). This technique gives the silver a deep, satin-finish gray-brown tone, offering a subtle contrast to the golden radiance of the exterior.

Form and Usage
This hira natsume (flat natsume), whose shape resembles that of a go stone box, is traditionally used during the tea ceremony to hold the matcha powder intended for the preparation of usucha (thin tea). Its low, rounded proportions emphasize the harmony of the design, which extends from the lid to the body.

Presentation
This piece comes with its original tomobako (wooden box) bearing the name of the work, the artisan's signature and seal, and tied with a sanadahimo (woven cord). It also includes a tomonuno (protective cloth) marked with the artist's seal and a shiori (information document) presenting his artistic career. The natsume is signed on its base.

Place of Manufacture
Japan, Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture

Period
Shōwa era (1926-1989)

Dimensions
Diameter 8.7 cm - Height 6.3 cm

Weight
Natsume alone: 68 g
Natsume with boxes: 172 g

Materials
Urushi lacquer, gold and silver powders

Condition
Very good condition