Natsume (tea caddy) lacquer and gold, landscape with pine trees, ōnatsume
This magnificent and large natsume (ōnatsume), intended for serving usucha, the light whipped tea during the tea ceremony, is distinguished by a complete and highly precise decoration representing a superb landscape of pine trees and a pavilion. The exterior background is a nashiji (sprinkled gold) on which is displayed a decoration of pine trees, undergrowth and a pavilion placed on a platform with stilts ( kake-zukuri). This decoration, in high relief, was made in taka maki-e, a very complex technique where the lacquer is built up in thickness before the application of gold powders to create a marked volume. The variations of the undergrowth and the natural planes are treated by variations according to the nashiji technique, with a more or less tight density of gold powder which draws the edges, the slopes and the passages of shadow. The whole presents a beautiful modeling of the light all around the natsume.
Pine trees (matsu) are one of the most auspicious motifs in Japanese iconography: they symbolize longevity, constancy, and protective strength in all seasons. The landscape, calm and orderly, evokes the idea of a place conducive to contemplation and harmony, perfectly suited to the way of tea.
The interior is entirely covered in nashiji (sprinkled gold), providing a luminous surface that responds to the exterior decor.
This is a unique example from the Shōwa era (1926-1989). It comes with a protective box made of paulownia wood, kiribako, closed with a sanadahimo cord, as well as a shifuku, a small textile pouch custom-made for this natsume. Since the box is not signed (and it is not customary to sign natsume directly), it is not possible to know the name of the craftsman. This lack of information is built into the price, offering a knowledgeable collector the opportunity to acquire a splendid natsume at a reasonable cost.
| PLACE OF MANUFACTURE | JAPAN |
| DIMENSIONS |
Diameter 7.6cm - Height 7.5cm. |
| WEIGHT | Natsume alone: 68gr; natsume + box: 208gr |
| MATERIALS | Wood, urushi lacquer, maki-e (gold powder) |
| STATE | In very good condition; on the lid small areas reveal a discreet polish to the gold, consistent with its age (see photos). |
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.
Secure card payment with 3D Secure.
By PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Shop Pay
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.
Choose options
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.