Natsume (Japanese tea caddy) in lacquer and gold, noshi (auspicious ribbon) design by Gorō Hirano

This natsume (a box used to hold matcha powder during the Japanese tea ceremony) is a work by Gorō Hirano, also known as Keizan, a renowned Wajima lacquer artisan whose work has been selected for several major Japanese contemporary craft exhibitions. On a deep-lustre black urushi lacquer, a sumptuous noshi (auspicious ribbon) design combines various maki-e (gold powder decoration), kirikane (cut gold leaf), and raden (mother-of-pearl inlay) techniques. The richness of the motifs, the variety of gold tones, and the precision of their execution demonstrate a great mastery of Japanese lacquer arts.

The Artisan
Gorō Hirano, known as the artist Keizan, is a Japanese lacquer master from Wajima in Ishikawa Prefecture. His work has been selected several times for Japanese contemporary art and craft exhibitions, notably in 1973, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, and 1982. A member of the Wajima Artists Association, the Ishikawa Contemporary Craftsmen Association, and the Japan Contemporary Craftsmen Association, he belongs to the Wajima-nuri (Wajima lacquer) tradition, renowned for its excellent finishes and mastery of maki-e decorative techniques.

Design and Techniques
The design combines several maki-e techniques, including hiramaki-e (flat gold lacquer) and takamaki-e (raised gold lacquer), which allow for alternating perfectly smooth and slightly raised motifs. The ribbons are worked with different gold powders, notably in nashiji (sprinkled gold), creating surfaces with varied textures and lustre. Kirikane is used for the small geometric and floral motifs with sharp outlines. The design also incorporates raden, used for the small cherry blossom flowers whose iridescent reflections enrich the composition.

The motif represents tabane noshi (noshi ribbons gathered in a bundle), a traditional symbol of prosperity, longevity, and good fortune. Originally, noshi were thin strips of dried abalone offered at ceremonies and happy occasions. Their representation gradually transformed into long decorative ribbons, frequently used in Japanese arts. On this natsume, they are gathered by a tie and unfold from the lid to the walls. Each ribbon combines floral and geometric motifs with different lacquer and gilding techniques, forming a particularly rich and meticulous composition.

The background is made of roiro black urushi lacquer (mirror finish), obtained through particularly careful polishing that gives the surface exceptional depth and shine. The interior of the natsume and its lid is also treated in glossy black urushi lacquer, with a fine gold border highlighting the inner edge.

Shape and Use
This natsume is of chū natsume shape (medium-sized natsume), used in the tea ceremony to hold the matcha powder intended for the preparation of usucha (light tea).

Presentation
This natsume is accompanied by its tomobako (original wooden protective box), bearing the name of the work, the artisan's signature and seal, as well as a shiori (information document). The natsume is also signed beneath its base.

Place of Manufacture
Japan, Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture

Period
Shōwa Era (1926–1989)

Dimensions
Diameter 7.4 cm - Height 7.4 cm

Weight
Natsume alone: 58 g
Natsume with boxes: 152 g

Materials
Wood, urushi lacquer, gold powders, gold leaf, mother-of-pearl

Condition
Very good condition

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