Natsume (tea caddy) lacquer and gold, yozakura decoration (cherry blossoms admired at night) by Hamataka Ikkei
A magnificent piece by Hamataka Ikkei, a lacquer artist from Wajima born in 1957 in Ishikawa Prefecture, this natsume, intended for serving usucha (light whipped tea), features a very fine night cherry blossom (yozakura) decoration. On very light turned wood, the sakura flowers are worked in hiramaki-e (flat patterns with gold powder) and taka maki-e (light relief with gold powder), punctuated with mother-of-pearl inlays (raden). Some corollas are left flat and darker, like the shadow of the flowers in relief. The background is made of very fine-grained togidashi-nashiji (konashiji), a polished gold pattern that surfaces in an almost black depth, on which are superimposed in places areas of mura-nashiji, a more dispersed irregular pattern that densifies the light around the flowers. The interior is covered with a beautiful glossy black lacquer.
Yozakura, the cherry blossoms admired at nightfall, evoke fleeting beauty and an awareness of the passing of time. Sakura, the emblem of spring in Japan, embodies gratitude for nature and the delicacy of the moment. Mother-of-pearl introduces subtle shimmers, like moonlight on the petals, and reinforces the nocturnal atmosphere of the setting.
This natsume was made by Hamataka Ikkei, born in 1957 in Wajima and trained with Okuno Mihō before opening his workshop in 1982. A renowned craftsman, he developed an approach to lacquer and maki-e dedicated to tea utensils, chadōgu (objects used for serving tea), and is appreciated for the quality of his works.
This natsume is a unique example from the Heisei era (1989-2019). It comes with a protective paulownia wood box, kiribako (original box), closed with a sanadahimo cord, bearing the artist's name, seal, and the title of the work, as well as an information document, shiori (biographical note).
| PLACE OF MANUFACTURE | JAPAN |
| DIMENSIONS |
Diameter 7.3cm - Height 7cm. |
| WEIGHT | Natsume alone: 66gr; natsume + box: 187gr |
| MATERIALS | Wood, urushi lacquer, maki-e (gold powder), raden (mother-of-pearl) |
| 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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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.