Natsume (tea caddy) in lacquer and gold, decorated with Ominaeshi (patrinia flower) by Ichigo Itchō

This natsume (a box used to present matcha tea powder during the Japanese tea ceremony) is a work by Ichigo Itchō, one of Japan's greatest lacquer masters of the twentieth century. Of classic dimensions, it displays a sumptuous decoration of gold and mother-of-pearl depicting the ominaeshi, prized for its delicate and airy blooms, and which is one of the Seven Autumn Flowers (a group of plants traditionally associated with the ephemeral and contemplative beauty of the season). The lid, entirely gilded with brilliant fine gold, and the subtle gradient from gold to glossy black urushi lacquer on the body give the piece a rare and superb visual presence. The interior, entirely finished with exquisitely fine nashiji (gold dusting), reveals at its center the calligraphic signature in red of the tea master Hounsai, whose mark further enhances the exceptional value of this natsume.

Decor and techniques
The decoration is executed in maki-e (powdering), a technique consisting of sprinkling fine gold powder onto the still-damp lacquer. The stems are made in hiramaki-e (flat decoration), where the gold is applied to the surface after a precise outline. The flowers have a slight volume achieved in taka maki-e (light relief), a process in which several layers of lacquer are superimposed before being powdered to create a delicate modeling. Several petals are inlaid with aogai (blue mother-of-pearl), fragments delicately cut, polished, and then inserted into the surface to produce blue-green reflections. Kirikane ( small raised gold squares) were also applied.
The lid is entirely crafted with a dense application of extremely fine gold powders, giving it a deep and even shine. The body features a carefully controlled gradient, where the density of gold gradually decreases to reveal a polished black roiro (mirror) lacquer, creating a visual effect of downward light.
The interior, lid and cup, is finished in nashiji (sparkling), a technique involving sprinkling tiny gold particles and then covering them with a thin layer of transparent lacquer before polishing. The piece is distinguished by the delicacy of the design, the masterful gold-to-black transitions, and the exceptional quality of the inlays, all characteristic of Ichigo Itchō's major works.

The craftsman
Ichigo Itchō, born in 1898 in Ishikawa Prefecture and died in 1991, is one of the great masters of Wajima-nuri lacquer in the twentieth century. A specialist in maki-e (folded doors), he distinguished himself with pieces of great precision, often characterized by an abundance of gold and remarkable finesse of design. He was selected on numerous occasions for major Japanese exhibitions, notably the Nitten Salon and the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition, and some of his works were acquired by prestigious institutions. His natsume (small wooden panels) are particularly sought after on the art market for the quality of their decoration, the mastery of powdering, and the balance of their composition.

Presentation
This natsume is accompanied by its original tomobako, a paulownia wood box closed with a sanadahimo cord. The tomobako bears Ichigo Itchō's signature, seal, and a description of the piece. The inside of the lid also features calligraphy by the tea master Hounsai, the fifteenth head of the Urasenke school. Inside the lid of the natsume is his kao, a traditional personal mark used to authenticate his writings. The combined presence of the calligraphy and the kao indicates that this piece was recognized and appreciated within the context of high-level chanoyu practice, significantly enhancing its value. The natsume is also signed (engraved) at its base by Ichigo Itchō. Finally, a protective cloth (tomonuno) bearing the artisan's seal and signature, and a shiori (information document about the artisan) complete the set.

Place of manufacture
Japan, Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture.

Dimensions
Diameter 7.4 cm - Height 7.9 cm

Weight
Natsume alone: ​​88 g
Natsume, box and accessories: 217 g

Materials
Wood, Japanese urushi lacquer, maki-e (gold powdering), aogai (mother-of-pearl), raden (inlay)

Period
Shōwa era (1926 - 1989)

Condition
Very good condition