Natsume (Japanese tea caddy) lacquered in gold, shikunshi (four gentlemen) decor by Ippyōsai

This natsume (a container for matcha powder used in Japanese tea ceremonies) by Ippyōsai, one of Kyoto's most renowned lacquer masters in the field of chanoyu, demonstrates a remarkable level of craftsmanship. Completely covered in deep black urushi roiro lacquer (mirror-like lacquer), it features a highly refined shikunshi (four gentlemen) maki-e (gold powder) decoration, whose richness and precision reflect the Ippyōsai workshop's very high standards.

The Artisan
This natsume was made by Ippyōsai, the name of a lineage of maki-e masters (lacquer artists) from Kyoto that has been passed down since the Edo period. He is the seventh Ippyōsai, Ippyō Eizō, born in 1942 in Kyoto, son of the sixth Ippyōsai. Trained by his father and by Shimizuya Kōmin (a Kyoto lacquer master), he took the name of the seventh Ippyōsai in 2001. Highly esteemed in the world of chanoyu, he is particularly known for his natsume, whose meticulous execution and decorative quality have established the Ippyōsai workshop's reputation among the great names of Kyō maki-e, and his pieces are highly sought after in the art market.

Decoration and Techniques
The decoration is executed in taka maki-e (raised gold powder), a technique involving building up the motif with successive layers of urushi lacquer to create a sculpted volume before the application of gold powder. After drying, the surfaces are carefully worked, polished, and then enhanced with new applications of lacquer and powder, which gives the motifs a sculptural presence and extreme precision.

The depicted theme is that of the shikunshi (four gentlemen), bringing together ume (plum tree, renewal), take (bamboo, uprightness), kiku (chrysanthemum, longevity), and ran (orchid, elegance). These plants, originating from the literary tradition, embody ideal moral qualities.

The exterior background is made of roiro black lacquer (mirror finish), offering a deep contrast with the gold. The interior is treated with ginji (silver ground), obtained by applying silver powder to still-adhesive lacquer, then covered with transparent layers and finely polished, creating a luminous and subtly reflective surface.

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

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

Place of Manufacture
Japan, Kyoto

Period
Heisei Era (1989 - 2019)

Dimensions
Diameter 7.2 cm - Height 7.5 cm

Weight
Natsume alone: 60 g
Natsume with boxes: 180 g

Materials
Wood, urushi lacquer, gold and silver powders

Condition
Very good condition