Natsume (Japanese tea caddy) lacquer and gold, marumon decoration by Ooshita Sōkō

A beautiful piece by Ooshita Sōkō, a master lacquer artist from Yamanaka (Ishikawa Prefecture), this natsume (a container for matcha powder used in Japanese tea ceremonies) is covered in a beautiful glossy black urushi lacquer. It is adorned with marumon (traditional Japanese emblems enclosed in a circle) executed in gold powder using various techniques. The intricacy of the design, the subtlety of the reliefs, and the contrasts between polished surfaces, powdered gold backgrounds, and delicate inlays reveal exceptionally meticulous maki-e craftsmanship. The brilliance of the design stands out powerfully against the glossy black lacquer, while the red lacquered interior adds an elegant contrast to the ensemble.

The artisan

This natsume was created by the lacquer artist Ooshita Sōkō, a renowned artisan in the Yamanaka shikki (Yamanaka lacquerware) tradition, at the heart of Ishikawa Prefecture. Heir to the Ooshita Kōsen workshop, he trained in maki-e (gold powder) in 1973 under his father, the third Ooshita Kōsen. He has been recognized as a dentō kōgeishi (traditional craftsman) in the field of Yamanaka shikki since 1996, and his work includes pieces related to the tea world, particularly natsume and other chanoyu utensils.

Decoration and techniques

The decoration is executed on a wooden container covered with multiple layers of urushi lacquer, following the maki-e (gold powder) tradition. The different marumon are created with various decorative treatments that give the whole a rich visual quality.

Some motifs are worked in hiramaki-e (flat decoration), completely polished to be flush with the lacquer surface, creating perfectly smooth areas where the decoration appears integrated into the depth of the black. Other elements feature a slight relief corresponding to taka maki-e (raised decoration) work, visible particularly in the modeling of the tortoises and cranes.

Several medallions also feature a nashiji background (gold-sprinkled background), consisting of a very fine sprinkling of gold powder that enlivens the surface with a subtle sparkle. On some details of the lid, small raden (mother-of-pearl) inlays add delicate shimmering touches that enrich the decoration.

The composition unfolds in marumon distributed on the lid and around the natsume. A marumon designates a mon, a traditional Japanese emblem, presented within a circle. These emblems constitute an ancient decorative vocabulary in Japanese arts.

Among the motifs represented on this natsume are a crane and a tortoise. In Japanese symbolism, the crane is associated with longevity and happiness, while the tortoise evokes stability and a long life. These images belong to the register of auspicious motifs frequently used in Japanese decorative arts.

The fineness of the drawing, the precision of the outlines, and the quality of the polish attest to particularly meticulous maki-e craftsmanship.

Shape and use

This natsume corresponds to an ō natsume (large natsume), used to contain matcha powder intended for the preparation of usucha (light tea).

Presentation

The piece is presented in a double protective box: a cardboard box and a tomobako (wooden box) bearing the artist's signature and seal, as well as the name of the work. A shiori (information document about the artisan) is also included. The natsume is also signed by the artist on its base.

Place of manufacture

Japan, Yamanaka, Ishikawa Prefecture

Period

Heisei Era (1989 - 2019)

Dimensions

Diameter 7 cm - Height 7 cm

Weight

Natsume alone: 63 g
Natsume with boxes: 278 g

Materials

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

Condition

Very good condition.