Natsume (Japanese tea caddy) in urushi lacquer and gold, decorated with a landscape by Hozukyō by Kosaku Kitahama

This natsume (the box in which matcha powder is placed during the Japanese tea ceremony) by Kosaku Kitahama, a master lacquerer from Wajima also known by the artist name Soshin, is a piece of great elegance. On a light wooden container entirely covered in deep black Japanese urushi lacquer, unfolds a beautiful landscape of the Hozukyō Valley west of Kyoto, with hills, a river, and pine trees, rendered in gold powder using various precious maki-e techniques.

Decor and techniques
The decoration is executed according to the Japanese tradition of gold powder decoration ( maki-e ) on lacquer, combining several classical techniques. The landscape lines, the river's outline, and the reliefs are painted in a flat style ( hiramaki-e ). The pine trees are decorated in relief ( taka-maki-e ), a complex and refined technique. The hills are covered with a nashiji background, here a very dense dusting of very fine metallic powder that creates a regular golden grain. In some areas, small squares of gold ( kirikane ) are applied to the surface, adding brighter points of light. The lower part of the natsume features a more diffuse nashiji dusting that blends into the black of the glossy black lacquer. The pine (matsu) motif, associated with longevity and constancy, is located here in the Hozukyō Valley, a gorge of the Hozu River between Kameoka and Arashiyama, in Kyoto Prefecture, famous for its mountain scenery and seasonal colors; the choice of this location reinforces the idea of ​​a poetic landscape conducive to contemplation.

Form and use
This piece is a chu natsume , a classic-sized natsume commonly used for serving light whipped tea ( usucha ). Its balanced proportions make it a versatile utensil, suitable for many chanoyu situations.

The craftsman
This natsume was created by Kosaku Kitahama, a master lacquerer born in 1952 in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture. Specializing in Wajima lacquer and gold powder decoration, he works as a makie-shi (master craftsman) in a family workshop dedicated to this art. Recognized as a traditional craftsman of Wajima lacquer, in the maki-e decoration section, he is an active member of professional organizations in the Wajima region and has held positions of responsibility within lacquerers' associations. His work is distinguished by precise landscapes, intricately worked backgrounds, and a mastery of hiramaki-e, taka maki-e, and nashiji techniques applied to chanoyu (small decorative objects).

Presentation
This natsume, dating from the Heisei era (1989-2019), comes with its protective paulownia wood ( kiribako ) box, tied with a cord ( sanadahimo ), bearing the artist's name, official seal, and the title of the work. A protective cloth ( tomonuno ) bearing the artist's seal and signature, along with an informational document about the artist ( shiori ), complete the set.

Place of manufacture
Japan (Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture)

Dimensions
Diameter 7.2 cm – Height 7 cm

Weight
Natsume alone: ​​63g

Natsume and box: 189g

Materials
Wood, Japanese urushi lacquer ( urushi ), gold powder decoration ( maki e )

Condition
Very good condition.