Natsume (Japanese tea caddy) in lacquer and gold, decorated with nanten (nandina) motifs by Sadaharu Higashino

This natsume (the box in which matcha powder is placed during the Japanese tea ceremony) by Sadaharu Higashino is a superbly crafted piece. On a light wooden container covered with a deep, polished black urushi lacquer, unfolds a decoration of nandina (nanten) with gold powder leaves and small berries represented by delicate mother-of-pearl (raden) inlays whose iridescent reflections animate the surface depending on the light.

Decor and techniques

The nandina leaves are made using the hiramaki-e (flat) technique, in which the design is first drawn with slightly thickened urushi lacquer, then sprinkled with gold powder. After drying, the excess is removed and the surface is polished, resulting in even, flat areas of gold that blend seamlessly into the black background. On this natsume, the precise control of the lacquer thickness is evident, giving the leaves sharp outlines and remarkable uniformity.

The berry clusters are crafted from raden (mother-of-pearl). For this technique, very thin slices of shell are cut, placed in the still-fresh lacquer, then covered with additional layers before polishing. The result is a surface that seems to dance, where each mother-of-pearl flecks the surface and catches the light in an iridescent way.

The interior of the lid and cup is finished with nashiji (gold dusting), a technique involving scattering tiny gold flakes within a layer of lacquer, then layering several transparent coats before final polishing. The dense scattering produces a soft, even sheen that subtly contrasts with the glossy black exterior. The nandina (nanten), an auspicious motif associated with protection in Japan, finds a luminous expression here.

Form and use

This natsume is a chū-natsume (medium size), used for preparing light whipped tea (usucha) during the tea ceremony.

The craftsman

Sadaharu Higashino, born in 1947 in Ishikawa Prefecture, is a renowned lacquer artist from Wajima, where he has dedicated himself for several decades to the production of maki-e pieces and the transmission of traditional Wajima-nuri techniques. His works have been featured in several prestigious national exhibitions, where the finesse of his craftsmanship and the quality of his finishes have been consistently praised.

Presentation

This piece, dating from the Heisei era (1989-2019), comes with a protective paulownia wood (kiribako) box tied with a cord (sanadahimo), bearing the artist's name, official seal, and the title of the work, as well as a protective cloth (tomonuno) with the artist's seal and an informational document (shiori). The natsume is signed by the artist at its base.

Place of manufacture

Japan, Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture.

Dimensions

Diameter 7.3 cm - Height 7.3 cm

Weight

Natsume alone: ​​59 g
Natsume with box: 183 g

Materials

Wood, Japanese urushi lacquer, gold powder, mother-of-pearl (raden)

Condition

Very good condition.