Natsume (Japanese tea caddy) lacquered and gilded, shikunshi (four gentlemen) decoration in circles by Shōetsu Watanabe

This natsume (box in which matcha powder is placed during the Japanese tea ceremony) by Shōetsu Watanabe is a particularly elegant piece. On a black urushi lacquer (lacquer) of the roiro type (mirror finish), a shikunshi (four gentlemen) decoration in takamaki-e (raised decoration) unfolds, arranged in circles and enhanced with a nashiji (powdered gold) background. The presence of the kao (monogram) and the calligraphy of Hōunsai, fifteenth grand master of the Urasenke tea school, confirms the significant interest of this piece.

The artisan
This natsume was made by Shōetsu Watanabe, an artisan from the second half of the 20th century and heir to the Kaga lacquer traditions (Ishikawa prefecture), a region renowned for the richness of its decorations. He is appreciated as a creator of cha dōgu (tea utensils), particularly natsume, whose compositions feature structured plant motifs, often linked to the literary tradition. His works have been regularly associated with great masters of tea schools, which attests to his recognition.

Decoration and techniques
The decoration is made in taka maki e (raised gold powder), a technique consisting of building the motif by superimposing urushi lacquer to create volume before applying the gold powders. After drying, the surfaces are re-worked, polished, then enhanced with new applications of lacquer and powder, which gives the motifs a clear presence and great precision.

The represented 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, from the literary tradition, embody ideal moral qualities.

The composition is distinguished by a circular arrangement, each accommodating a plant motif, structuring the entire surface and creating a regular rhythm between the decorated elements, the areas of black lacquer left in reserve, and the powdered background passages.

The outer background is in roiro type black lacquer (mirror finish), offering a deep contrast with the gold, with a nashiji (powdered background) concentrated in the lower part of the natsume. Some details are enriched by the use of silver and raden (mother-of-pearl), providing variations of light. The interior is entirely treated with nashiji, with Hōunsai's kao (monogram) inscribed on the inside of the lid. Hōunsai is the tea name of Sen Sōshitsu XV (1923–2025), fifteenth grand master of the Urasenke school, one of the main lineages of chanoyu (Japanese tea ceremony).

Form and use
This ōnatsume (large natsume) is used in the tea ceremony to hold matcha powder (powdered green tea) intended for the preparation of usucha (light tea).

Presentation
This piece is accompanied by a double protective box: a cardboard box and a tomobako (original wooden protective box) bearing the artisan's signature, seal, and the name of the work. The tomobako also features a kakitsuke (inscription) by Hōunsai. The natsume bears Hōunsai's kao (monogram) on the inside of the lid. By affixing his kao and calligraphy to this natsume, Hōunsai thus attests that he has selected and recognized the piece as worthy of use in chanoyu (tea ceremony), which reinforces its value and legitimacy.

Place of manufacture
Japan, Kaga region, Ishikawa prefecture

Period
Shōwa era (1926 to 1989)

Dimensions
Diameter 7.4 cm - Height 7.2 cm

Weight
Natsume alone: 62 g
Natsume with boxes: 214 g

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

Condition
Very good condition.