Natsume (Japanese tea caddy) lacquered and gilded, with a Tanabata (Star Festival) design by Jōtarō Gōtō

This natsume (box in which matcha powder is placed during the Japanese tea ceremony) by Jōtarō Gōtō, a master lacquerer from Yamanaka and one of the great references in Japanese lacquerware, illustrates all the refinement of maki-e (gold powder). On a wooden container covered with black urushi lacquer of the roiro type (mirror finish), a remarkably delicate Tanabata (Japanese star festival) decoration unfolds. The contrast between the depth of the black lacquer and the brilliance of the gold, the delicacy of the design and the subtlety of the reliefs give this piece a rare visual presence, characteristic of the artisan's most accomplished works.

The Artisan
This natsume was made by Jōtarō Gōtō (1942-2014), a master lacquerer born in Yamanaka, in the current city of Kaga (Ishikawa Prefecture), one of the strongholds of Japanese lacquerware. From a family of lacquerers, he succeeded a lineage of artisans specializing in maki-e and developed a production particularly appreciated in the world of chanoyu (tea ceremony). Recognized as a Dentō Kōgeishi (traditional Japanese artisan) by the Japanese Ministry of Commerce and Industry, he received numerous awards at national exhibitions dedicated to crafts, notably from the Japan Kōgei Association. His natsume, kōgō (incense boxes) and other objects intended for the tea ceremony are now particularly sought after for the quality of their execution and the delicacy of their decorations.

Decoration and Techniques
The maki-e (gold powder) decoration extends over a large part of the natsume's surface, while significant areas of roiro-type (mirror finish) black lacquer remain deliberately visible. This dialogue between deep black and gold creates a particularly striking contrast, which highlights the elegance of the composition while enhancing the presence of the motifs.

The motifs are built in slight relief by superimposing urushi lacquer, then covered with gold powder. This modeling work, clearly perceptible throughout the decoration, gives volume to the different elements and accentuates their presence on the black surface, while maintaining the precision and finesse of the design. The richness of the gold dusting, the sharpness of the outlines and the mastery of the reliefs bear witness to Jōtarō Gōtō's expertise and the technical demandingness that characterizes his works intended for chanoyu.

The theme represented is Tanabata, the Japanese star festival celebrated annually on the seventh day of the seventh month. According to an ancient legend, the stars Orihime and Hikoboshi, separated by the Milky Way, can only meet one night a year. The decorations hung on bamboo branches, called sasakazari (bamboo ornaments), are evoked here by several traditional emblems of this festival: tanzaku (banners on which wishes are written), fan, bamboo broom, decorative hanging objects, and stylized bamboo branches. Together, they express the wishes for success, prosperity, skill, and happiness associated with this celebration.

The inside of the natsume as well as the bottom is entirely covered with a particularly dense and luminous nashiji (sprinkled gold background), whose brilliance harmoniously echoes the exterior decoration.

Form and Use
This low natsume (hira natsume), whose shape recalls a go-stone box, is mainly used during the tea ceremony for koicha, the thick tea, in certain schools. Its wide and balanced proportions particularly enhance the unfolding of the decoration.

Presentation
This unique piece dates from the Heisei era (1989-2019). It comes with a tomobako (paulownia wood protective box) closed with a sanadahimo (cord), which bears the artisan's name, his official seal, and the title of the work.

Place of Manufacture
Japan, Yamanaka, Kaga city, Ishikawa Prefecture

Period
Heisei era (1989-2019)

Dimensions
Diameter 8.4 cm - Height 5.5 cm

Weight
Natsume alone: 104 gr
Natsume with boxes: 242 gr

Materials
Wood, urushi lacquer, maki-e (gold powder)

Condition
Very good condition.