Natsume (Japanese tea caddy) lacquered and gilded, decorated with nyoi hōju ryū (dragon with sacred pearl) by Kenchi Tanaka

This natsume (box in which matcha powder is placed during the Japanese tea ceremony) is a particularly refined creation by Kenchi Tanaka, a master lacquer artist from Kanazawa who has received several awards throughout his career. A spectacular and luminous background of very dense nashiji (gold-dusted background) displays a dragon with a sacred pearl motif combining maki-e (gold dust decoration) and raden (mother-of-pearl inlay), extended at the base by remarkable mother-of-pearl and gold work. The richness of the materials, the precision of the decoration, and the elegance of this tall form make it a beautiful example of the Kaga lacquer tradition applied to chanoyu objects.

The artisan
Kenchi Tanaka, the second generation of his name, was born in 1910 in Kanazawa. A recognized figure in Kaga lacquerware, he received several awards early in his career at major Japanese exhibitions dedicated to decorative arts. He notably won an honorary award at the 17th Shōkōten in 1930, an excellence award in 1931, a bronze medal in 1937, and a second prize at the 16th Kinshitsuten in 1939. In 1940, his work was selected for the commemorative exhibition of the 2600th imperial anniversary, and then he was selected several times for the Nitten, the most important art exhibition in Japan. A specialist in lacquerware for chanoyu, he is particularly renowned for his natsume and kōgō (incense boxes), in which he demonstrates remarkable expertise in maki-e, raden, and traditional Kaga lacquer techniques.

Decoration and techniques
The entire outer surface is treated with nashiji (gold-dusted background), used here in a particularly dense and tight manner. The profusion of fine gold particles creates a luminous surface of great depth, whose shades range from warm gold to almost coppery tones depending on the incidence of light.

On the lid appears a nyoi hōju ryū (dragon with a sacred pearl) motif in slight relief (taka maki-e). The dragon's body combines maki-e (gold dust decoration) and raden (mother-of-pearl inlay), with an extremely detailed design. The pearl, treated as a central element of the decoration, stands out with its solid gold surface. In Buddhist iconography, the nyoi hōju (sacred wish-granting pearl) is a marvelous pearl capable of fulfilling wishes and dispelling suffering. It is traditionally associated with the dragon, a creature linked to water, celestial forces, and protective power. The composition of the dragon coiled around the pearl thus concentrates several symbols of power and good fortune.

Around the base, a rich seigaiha motif (stylized waves in concentric arcs) develops. Each motif is constructed as a true miniature mosaic, combining very small elements of raden (mother-of-pearl) with green, violet, and bluish reflections and kirikane (cut gold leaf). Dark shapes evoking rocks emerge from this stylized sea and punctuate the composition. The geometric refinement of this decoration contrasts with the continuous nashiji covering the body of the natsume.

The interior is treated with gin-dame (silver under clear lacquer), with a matte and satin finish with warm reflections.

Form and use
This is a chō-natsume (tall natsume), of karamono-fū type (Chinese style). This slender form belongs to the usuchaki family (containers for light tea) and is intended to receive the matcha used for preparing usucha (light tea).

Presentation
This piece comes with its tomobako (wooden protective box) bearing the artisan's signature, description of the work, and seal, as well as a tomonuno (protective cloth) marked with his seal. The natsume is also signed at its base.

Place of manufacture
Japan, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture

Period
Shōwa Era (1926 - 1989)

Dimensions
Diameter 7.8 cm - Height 8.8 cm

Weight
Natsume alone: 62 g
Natsume with boxes: 158 g

Materials
Wood, urushi lacquer, gold and silver powders, mother-of-pearl

Condition
Very good condition