Natsume (Japanese tea caddy) in lacquer and gold, decorated with senbazuru (thousand cranes) by Hamada Seihō

This natsume (the container for matcha powder during the Japanese tea ceremony) by Hamada Seihō is distinguished by a spectacular senbazuru (thousand cranes) design created using togidashi maki e (a decoration with polished gold powder) and nashiji (sprinkles of gold). The bird silhouettes appear with extreme delicacy in the lacquer surface, without any relief, using a technique that requires a lengthy process of powdering and polishing. The quality of the design, the subtle variations in gold, and the perfect continuity of the surface make this natsume a particularly remarkable piece in the tradition of chanoyu (tea) utensils.

The craftsman

This natsume is signed Hamada Seihō, a lacquerer associated with the Hamadaya Seibei workshop, located in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture. Founded in 1848, this workshop is part of the Wajima lacquer tradition, one of Japan's most renowned centers for the production of urushi (lacquer) objects, particularly utensils for the tea ceremony. In the 19th century, the Hamadaya Seibei workshop developed a business manufacturing and trading lacquerware, which was distributed primarily via the Kitamaebune (sea routes). merchant ships on the northern route) that connected the ports of the Sea of ​​Japan. In this artisanal context characteristic of Wajima, Hamada Seihō is one of the lacquerers associated with this house and with the production of refined utensils for chanoyu (tea), among which are natsume (tea caddies).

Decor and techniques

The decoration features a very delicate nashiji (gold dusting) of gold powder on a black background, combined with a motif of cranes in gold powder, all worked using the technique of Togidashi maki e (polished, flush decoration) is entirely integrated into the lacquer surface, resulting in a smooth and continuous finish. This technique requires drawing the design, powdering the decorated areas, re-lacquering them, and then meticulously polishing the entire surface to bring the decoration back to the same level as the background. It is this complete integration of the design into the lacquer that gives the natsume its particularly precious character.

The cranes, scattered throughout the natsume, seem to appear and disappear in this dark and shimmering material, which reinforces the impression of movement, accentuated by the addition of a nashiji (Gold-sprinkled background) extremely fine, creating a continuous luminous vibration around the birds. The interior is treated with gin tame (silver), meaning a silvery effect visible under a layer of clear lacquer, a subtle and profound finish frequently appreciated for high-quality natsume.

The senbazuru (thousand cranes) motif refers to the Japanese tradition that a thousand cranes bring good fortune and allow a wish to be fulfilled.

Form and use

This natsume is a chu natsume (standard size natsume), the most commonly used format when preparing usucha (light tea) in the Japanese tea ceremony.

Presentation

The piece is accompanied by its signed kiribako (wooden box), closed by a sanadahimo (cord), and a shiori (information document detailing the workshop profile).

Place of manufacture
Japan, Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture

Period
Shōwa era (1926 - 1989)

Dimensions
Diameter 7.3 cm - Height 7.5 cm

Weight
Natsume alone: ​​65g
Natsume with box: 192g

Materials
Wood, urushi lacquer, maki e (gold powder), gin tame (silver)

Condition
Very good condition.