Natsume (Japanese tea caddy) in lacquer and gold, decorated with Setsugekka (snow, moon, cherry blossom) by Ippyōsai

This natsume (the tin in which matcha powder is placed during the Japanese tea ceremony) by the renowned artisan Ippyōsai is a piece of exquisite craftsmanship, where the depth of a mirror-like black urushi lacquer meets a delicate relief decoration in gold, silver, and mother-of-pearl. Highly sought after for his tea utensils, this master of Kyō maki e (Kyoto gold powder decoration) has created a particularly elegant work of rare refinement, perfectly in keeping with the spirit of chanoyu (the way of tea).

The craftsman

This natsume was crafted by Ippyōsai, the name of a lineage of Kyoto maki eshi (lacquerware masters) passed down since the Edo period. Ippyō Eizō, the seventh Ippyōsai, was born in Kyoto in 1942 and is the son of the sixth Ippyōsai. Trained by his father and also by Shimizuya Kōmin (a Kyoto lacquerware master), he assumed the title of seventh Ippyōsai in 2001. Highly esteemed in the world of chanoyu (Japanese lacquerware), he is particularly known for his natsume, whose meticulous execution and decorative quality have established the Ippyōsai firm's reputation among the greatest names in Kyō maki e, and his pieces are highly sought after in the art market.

Decor and techniques

The decoration combines hiramaki e (flat decoration), taka maki e (relief decoration), raden (mother-of-pearl), kin and gin nashiji (sprinkle of gold and silver), Kirigane (cut fragments of gold leaf) and roiro (mirror finish). The motifs are traced with gold powder with great finesse, some are treated in relief, the whole giving the decoration a discreetly sculpted presence. Against the very glossy black background, a large area of ​​very fine silver powdering (gin nashiji) evokes the moon and creates a subtle contrast with the deep black lacquer and the gold powder decoration.

One of the motifs is embellished with tiny raden flecks, whose iridescent reflections lend a subtle, luminous vibrancy to the composition. The whole unfolds around the setsugekka theme (snow, moon, cherry blossom), a classic motif in Japanese culture celebrating the beauty of the seasons. This poetic association, prevalent in Japanese literature and painting, evokes three emblematic manifestations of nature: winter snow, the moon contemplated in autumn, and the ephemeral blossoming of cherry blossoms in spring.

The inside of the lid and cup is entirely treated with nashiji (gold dusting), producing a very elegant luminous effect that contrasts with the depth of the black exterior background.

Form and use

This natsume is a chū natsume (medium-sized natsume), used in the tea ceremony to hold matcha powder for preparing usucha (light tea). This natsume is very light, confirming its quality, as it is made from an extremely thin wooden container.

Presentation

This piece comes with a kiribako (wooden box) signed by the craftsman and closed with a sanadahimo (cord), a tomonuno (cloth) protective cover, and a second cardboard protective box.

Place of manufacture
Japan, Kyoto

Period
Heisei Era (1989 - 2019)

Dimensions
Diameter 7.2 cm - Height 7.5 cm

Weight
Natsume alone: ​​55 g
Natsume with boxes: 242 g

Materials
Wood, urushi lacquer, maki e (gold powder), raden (mother-of-pearl)

Condition
Very good condition.