Natsume (tea caddy) lacquer and gold, inasuzume (rice and sparrows) decoration by Ichigo Itchō
Magnificent piece of
Ichigo Itchō (1998-1991), one of the most renowned masters of lacquer art, this natsume is handcrafted using traditional Wajima urushi lacquer techniques, with a very beautiful glossy black for the final layers, patiently applied to a very light turned wooden container on which a fabulous decoration of sparrows flying in ears of rice was then applied.
The gold powder maki-e decoration is created in relief with great finesse and detail, around a motif of ears of rice and sparrows ( inasuzume ), two essential symbols of Japanese culture. Rice embodies prosperity, sustenance and the continuity of life. The sparrow, represented in flight, symbolizes liveliness, joy and sharing. Together, they form an image of harmonious abundance, recalling gratitude towards nature and the beauty of the seasons, especially the autumn of harvests. Inside the lid, 3 sparrows made in gold powder maki-e in relief stand out against the black of the lacquer.
This natsume was created by the highly renowned master lacquer artist Ichigo Itchō, who was born in 1898 in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, and died in 1991. A resident of Wajima, he was recognized for his exceptional creations, particularly natsume (tea boxes), and received numerous awards, including several selections at the prestigious Nitten exhibition. His natsume are also highly sought after on the art market.
This is a unique example dating from the Shōwa era (1926-1989). The artist's signature is engraved at the base of the natsume, which comes with a protective paulownia wood box (kiribako) closing with a sanadahimo cord on which the artist's name and official seal are affixed, guaranteeing its authenticity, as well as two information documents (shiori) detailing his profile . A white silk textile is also present, on which the seal and signature of the craftsman are inscribed.
It is also worth noting the presence of an official invoice dating from 1960 (the black felt-tip pen line must have corresponded to the buyer's name) and specifying the price at which this natsume had been purchased ( 500,000 ¥), which indicates the preciousness of this superb piece (in current equivalents this amount corresponds to more than €10,000). Natsume of this quality are now frequently sold for several thousand euros in galleries in Japan.
| PLACE OF MANUFACTURE | JAPAN |
| DIMENSIONS |
Diameter 7.2cm - Height 7.2cm. |
| WEIGHT | Natsume alone: 61gr; natsume + elements + box: 182gr |
| MATERIALS | Wood, urushi lacquer, maki-e (gold powder) |
| STATE | In very good condition |
KNOW-HOW
Natsume (棗) are small boxes with few variations in shape and dimensions (which are codified), and which are made of Japanese urushi lacquer, welcoming the matcha tea powder during the traditional Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu and sadō). They are magnificent objects that can be used for tea or superb decorative pieces to collect and to position individually or grouped on a pretty tray or in a display case. Modern productions are more often made of resin and not lacquer, and of molded wood powder or plastic. We only offer authentic traditional natsume in real Japanese urushi lacquer made according to the rules of the art. These objects are rare and precious, they are likely to increase in value. Read our article on natsume >
Traditional Japanese lacquer, urushi, comes from the sap of the lacquer tree (Rhus Verniciflua), which flows after incision of the bark. It is a very precious material, a tree will give a maximum of 200ml of sap in its life, which is worked by specialized craftsmen. It takes many operations, slow and meticulous, and several months of work to bring real lacquer objects to life. It is the oldest craft in Japan! Initially used to protect and waterproof objects, this immutable craft has become an art of extreme sophistication. If you want to know more about the art of Japanese lacquer, you can read our dedicated article > .
DELIVERY
Delivery
Free delivery in metropolitan France for purchases over €150. Orders are generally sent within 2 working days, except in special cases announced in the banner at the top of the site.
Precious items are wrapped in beautiful cloth, beautifully tied in the precious art of Korean pojagi. Some exceptions apply, especially if the items are bulky. Learn more >
Detailed information on deliveries is available via this link >
Your invoice will be sent by email
Payment methods
By card (Stripe operator): Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express.
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Returns and exchanges
14 days to change your mind.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Clean with a very soft cloth to avoid scratches, soaked in a little warm water if necessary (never soak your lacquer objects). No microwave, dishwasher, dryer. Do not expose to direct sunlight for a long time (risk of discoloration). If the atmosphere is very dry and very hot, and to avoid the risk of cracking, you can place a glass filled with water next to your lacquer object.
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The art of wrapping
The exceptional items are wrapped in a beautiful fabric beautifully knotted using the little-known art of Korean pojagi and decorated with a delightful maedup (Korean ornamental knot). Details and conditions >
WRAPPING
Precious objects are wrapped in textiles tied using the Korean art of pojagi.