Natsume (Japanese tea caddy) in lacquer and gold, decorated with magaki-kiku patterns, by Tsuji Sekisai

This natsume (the tin in which matcha powder is placed during the Japanese tea ceremony) by Tsuji Sekisai is a piece of exquisite craftsmanship. On a lightweight wooden container entirely covered in deep black Japanese urushi lacquer, unfolds a sumptuous gold-powdered relief depicting a fully embroidered kimono. The contrast between the depth of the black and the luminosity of the gold lends the whole a sense of opulence and balance, highlighting the lacquerer's mastery and the harmony of the design.

Decor and techniques
The decoration, executed according to the maki-e tradition with gold dust, combines hiramaki-e (flat) for the grids and lines, taka maki-e (relief) for the modeling of the flowers, and kirikane (small gold squares) for the geometric punctuation. The background alternates between black lacquer with a mirror finish (roiro) and layers of gold dusted in the nashiji style (a shimmering background obtained by dispersing fine gold particles in the still-wet lacquer). The interior, lid and cup, is also decorated in nashiji. The chrysanthemum and branch fence motif, called magaki-kiku, evokes the peaceful beauty of autumn gardens, a symbol of longevity, elegance, and serenity. This theme, forming an elegant kimono on this natsume, is highly prized in Japanese art: it expresses the stability and harmony between cultivated nature and the passing of the seasons.

Form and use
This ōnatsume (large natsume) is used in the tea ceremony for usucha (lightly whipped tea). Its generous height and regular lines highlight the continuity of the decoration and the precision of the goldwork.

The craftsman
This natsume was crafted by Tsuji Sekisai II (1911–1972), a master lacquerer from Yamanaka Onsen in Ishikawa Prefecture. Heir to a lineage established in the 19th century, he distinguished himself through the quality of his maki-e (small wooden trays) and his ability to combine decorative refinement with the depth of lacquer. His works, often intended for tea schools, bear witness to a traditional craft passed down through generations. A leading figure in Yamanaka lacquerware, he contributed to the region's renown for the perfection of his pieces and the precision of his ornamentation.

Presentation
This natsume comes with a protective box made of paulownia wood (kiribako) tied with a cord (sanadahimo). The box bears the artist's signature and official seal, as well as a protective cloth (tomonuno) also bearing the artist's seal, all guaranteeing its authenticity.

Place of manufacture
Japan, Yamanaka Onsen, Ishikawa prefecture.

Dimensions
Diameter 7.9 cm – Height 7.9 cm

Weight
Natsume alone: ​​77g

Natsume and box: 211g

Materials
Wood, Japanese urushi lacquer, maki-e with gold powder

Period
Shōwa era (1926–1989)

Condition
Very good condition