Natsume (Japanese tea caddy) lacquered and gilded, kirichiku (paulownia and bamboo) decoration by Kōsen Ōshita

This natsume (a container for matcha powder used in the Japanese tea ceremony) was created by Sōkō Ōshita, fourth generation of the prestigious Kōsen Ōshita house, a Yamanaka workshop specializing in Kaga maki-e since its founding in 1894. Its paulownia and bamboo decoration unfolds across the entire surface of a deeply brilliant black urushi lacquer. The fineness of the design, the relief of the motifs, and the variety of gold effects attest to the very high level of execution that characterizes this workshop.

The artisan
This piece is the work of Sōkō Ōshita, fourth generation of the Kōsen Ōshita workshop, founded in 1894 in Yamanaka by Sekkō Ōshita. Trained from 1973 by his father, the third generation of the workshop, Sōkō Ōshita deepened his techniques for preparing grounds and lacquer with master artisans from Yamanaka. Recognized as a Dentō Kōgeishi (traditional artisan) in the specialty of Yamanaka lacquer decoration, he continued the family tradition by creating natsume, objects for chanoyu, and art pieces. Recipient of several awards and exhibited numerous times in Japan, he also held positions within the Kaga Art Association and the Ishikawa Tea Ceremony Association. His work perpetuates the reputation of a workshop known for the fineness of its maki-e and the richness of its compositions.

Decoration and techniques
The maki-e (gold powder) decoration develops across the entire natsume in a continuous composition where large paulownia leaves alternate with bamboo stalks and foliage. Built in slight relief, the main motifs stand out clearly from the black roiro lacquer (mirror finish). This prominent modeling gives depth to the decoration and varies the luster of the gold according to the light, while preserving the great precision of the design.

Some paulownia leaves are enhanced with nashiji (gold flecked ground) applied between the reserved veins. This alternation between smooth surfaces, brilliant golds, and delicately powdered areas enriches the decoration with subtle effects. Very encompassing, the composition continues uninterrupted on the lid and body of the natsume. The rigor of the lines and the reserves of black lacquer, however, maintain perfect legibility and highlight the complexity of the work.

The kirichiku (paulownia and bamboo) theme brings together two major plants in the Japanese decorative repertoire. Kiri (paulownia), associated with the phoenix in East Asian tradition, is a motif of dignity and good omen. Take (bamboo) symbolizes uprightness, resilience, and the ability to bend without breaking. The combination of their supple silhouettes here forms a dense plant landscape, punctuated by the broad leaves of the paulownia and the slender stalks of the bamboo.

The interior and bottom of the natsume are covered with a brilliant black lacquer punctuated by a very fine and sparse nashiji (called chirashi nashiji). The gold particles dispersed on the dark background produce a discreet sparkle that contrasts with the abundance of the exterior decoration. A gold line also highlights the rim of the cup. The natsume bears the artisan's signature on its base.

Form and usage
This natsume is a chū natsume (medium-sized natsume), used in the tea ceremony to hold matcha powder for the preparation of usucha (light tea).

Presentation
This piece is presented in a double box, including an outer cardboard box, then a tomobako (wooden box) bearing the name of the work, the artisan's signature and seal, as well as a tomonuno protective cloth (fabric) bearing the artist's seal and a shiori (information document) detailing their profile.

Place of manufacture
Japan, Kaga, Ishikawa Prefecture

Period
Heisei Era (1989-2019)

Dimensions
Diameter 7.6 cm - Height 7.6 cm

Weight
Natsume alone: 85 gr
Natsume with boxes: 311 gr

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

Condition
Very good condition.