Natsume (Japanese tea caddy) in lacquer and gold, with a matsu (pine) design by Ikkō Kiyose

This natsume (the box in which matcha powder is placed during the Japanese tea ceremony) is a work by Ikkō Kiyose, a Kanazawa lacquer master among the most renowned artisans for his natsume and urushi lacquer objects, which are highly sought after on the art market. Set against a background of mirror-black urushi lacquer, a pine decoration in gold powder demonstrates exceptional technical virtuosity, particularly in the fineness of the needles. The kaō (calligraphic signature) of tea master Sōya Hisada, known as Jingyūsai, placed on this natsume, attests to the recognition of its artistic quality by a major authority in chanoyu and increases its value among collectors.

The artisan
This natsume was made by the craft artisan Ikkō Kiyose, born in 1942 in Kanazawa, a lacquer master recognized for his mastery of maki-e. Heir to a lineage of artisans, he succeeded his father in 1986 and was designated a traditional craft artisan in 1995, an official recognition guaranteeing expertise, authenticity, and prestige in the field of Japanese crafts. His works are highly sought after in the world of chanoyu.

Decoration and techniques
The decoration is made in maki-e (gold powder decoration), combining hiramaki-e (flat gold lacquer) and takamaki-e (slightly raised gold lacquer). The trunks and branches are worked in gold powder, while the pine needles are drawn with extreme fineness, according to a network of delicate and regular lines. The roiro black urushi lacquer background (mirror finish) highlights the precision of the decoration, which extends from the lid to the walls.

The lower part is enriched with a very fine gold powdering, whose density gradually increases toward the base, creating a shimmering effect. The interior of the natsume and its lid is entirely covered with a particularly dense and luminous nashiji (lacquer background sprinkled with gold particles).

The matsu (pine) motif, a symbol of longevity, perseverance, and good fortune, occupies an important place in Japanese aesthetics and the arts related to the tea ceremony.

Shape and use
This chū-natsume (medium-sized natsume) is used during the Japanese tea ceremony to contain the matcha powder intended for the preparation of usucha (light tea).

Presentation
This piece is accompanied by its tomobako (original wooden box), bearing the name of the work, the signature and seal of Ikkō Kiyose, and closed by a sanadahimo (traditional cord).

It also benefits from a kakitsuke (inscription by a tea master) by Sōya Hisada (1925–2010), known as Jingyūsai, the twelfth master of the Hisada house, closely linked to the Omotesenke school. An important figure in chanoyu in the 20th century, he was notably a disciple of the thirteenth grand master of Omotesenke. His kaō (stylized calligraphic signature) appears inside the lid of the natsume, while his inscription appears inside the lid of the tomobako. This recognition by a major authority of the tea ceremony attests to the interest of the piece in the tradition of chanoyu and constitutes an element of provenance and prestige particularly sought after by collectors.

Place of manufacture
Japan, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture

Period
Heisei Era (1989–2019)

Dimensions
Diameter 7.3 cm - Height 6.7 cm

Weight
Natsume alone: 65 g
Natsume with boxes: 200 g

Materials
Wood, urushi lacquer, gold powders

Condition
Very good condition

The reflections of the lacquer and the decoration can create misleading visual effects in photographs. Any real defect, if it exists, is systematically reported in the product sheet (Condition section) so that you can make your decision with full confidence.