Natsume (tea caddy) lacquer and gold, shunjū (spring-autumn) decoration by Kakinoki Akira
A magnificent piece by Kakinoki Akira, master lacquerer from Wajima (Ishikawa prefecture), this natsume (box in which matcha powder is placed during the Japanese tea ceremony) is covered in urushi lacquer of a very beautiful glossy black. The decoration of cherry blossoms and maple leaves with gold powder is executed with great precision, mainly in flat decoration ( hiramaki-e ), with in places a very light decoration in relief ( taka maki-e ) visible in particular in the punctuations of the stamens. The interior is in glossy black lacquer. The whole is of great elegance with contemporary accents, faithful to the codes of maki-e.
The motif combines cherry and maple, a traditional spring-autumn association ( shunjū / sakura-kaede monyō ), which celebrates the continuity of the seasons and the awareness of the passing of time. The depth of the lacquer highlights the clean design of the leaves and corollas.
Kakinoki Akira (1926–2009), a master lacquer artist from Wajima who trained in the family workshop of Kakinoki Hōsan, had a distinguished career. He was repeatedly selected for the prestigious Nitten Prize (with award-winning selections, notably in 1995), honored at the Japan Contemporary Arts and Crafts Exhibition and the Japan New Crafts Exhibition, and served on applied arts societies.
This is a hira-natsume, shaped like a go stone box. It is used primarily for koicha (thick tea) in some schools.
This is a unique example dating from the Heisei era (1989–2019). The artist's signature is present at the base of the natsume, which comes with a protective paulownia wood box ( kiribako ) closed by a cord ( sanadahimo ), on which appear the artist's name, official seal and the title of the work, as well as a signed protective cloth ( tomonuno ) and an information document ( shiori ) presenting the artisan, all guaranteeing its authenticity.
| PLACE OF MANUFACTURE | JAPAN |
| DIMENSIONS |
Diameter 7.5cm - Height 5.5cm. |
| WEIGHT | Natsume alone: 54gr; natsume + box: 165gr |
| 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 >
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Payment methods
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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.