Natsume (Japanese tea caddy) in lacquer, gold and mother-of-pearl, decorated with Kurenai Tatsuta (red maples) by Takada Ryusai

This natsume (the tin in which matcha powder is placed during the Japanese tea ceremony) by Takada Ryusai is a piece with a strong character, inspired by the poetic theme Kurenai Tatsuta, a classic evocation of the red autumn maples along the Tatsuta River near Nara. On a light wooden container entirely covered in a deep red Japanese urushi lacquer, unfolds a stylized landscape of maple leaves as if laid upon the ground, traversed by a luminous line of mother-of-pearl suggesting the river. The intensity of the red, punctuated by golden leaves and enlivened by the changing gleam of the raden, composes a vibrant and refined autumn scene, where matter and light converse with great sensitivity.

Decor and techniques

The decoration combines maki-e (gold powder) and mother-of-pearl (raden) inlays in a composition inspired by the poetic theme of Kurenai Tatsuta, traditionally linked to the red autumn maples along the Tatsuta River in Nara Prefecture, Famous since classical times for its autumn maples and a recurring inspiration for waka poetry and the chanoyu genre. The maple leaves are rendered primarily in hiramaki-e with very slight relief, in a precise and repetitive design on a red lacquer background, giving a subtle vibrancy to the surface.

The Tatsuta River is suggested by a succession of raden fragments carefully inserted into the lacquered surface and then polished, forming a shimmering line that lies just below the surface of the lacquer. Small touches of white mother-of-pearl enrich this trajectory, enhancing the effect of light and movement. At the base of the natsume, where the line of leaves ends, nashiji (sprinkles of gold) scattered across the black lacquer creates an elegant transition between the red decoration and the dark background.

The interior, lid and bowl, is finished with very fine nashiji on black lacquer, revealing a delicate scattering of gold. The inside of the lid is decorated with lines of gilded maki-e evoking a stream, a subtle motif echoing the mother-of-pearl river visible on the exterior. The whole piece demonstrates a precise mastery of powdering, inlay, and the balance of materials.

Form and use

This hira-natsume (low natsume, whose shape resembles the box for go stones) is traditionally used in the tea ceremony for koicha, the thick tea.

The craftsman

This natsume was created by Takada Ryusai (1926–2013), a Japanese lacquer artist who signed his work with the name Ryusai. He is known for his objects intended for chanoyu (tea ceremony), particularly natsume and other tea utensils, characterized by highly elaborate decorations blending maki-e and raden styles. His works are included in Japanese public collections and have been featured in institutional exhibitions, attesting to his significant recognition in the field of lacquerware. His work is distinguished by a strong graphic approach and an expressive use of mother-of-pearl, integrated as a structural element of the decoration.

Presentation

This unique piece dates from the Heisei era (1989–2019). It comes with a protective paulownia wood box (tomobako) tied with a cord (sanadahimo), bearing the artist's name, official seal, and the title of the work, as well as a protective cloth (tomonuno) bearing the artist's seal. The natsume is also signed at its base by the craftsman.

Place of manufacture

Japan

Dimensions

Diameter 8.6 cm - Height 6.2 cm

Weight

Natsume alone: ​​88 g
Natsume with boxes: 226 g

Materials

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

Condition

Very good condition