Natsume (tea caddy) Japanese urushi lacquer and maki-e gold powder decor, chrysanthemum (kiku) motif

A very precious natsume handcrafted using traditional techniques of beautiful black urushi lacquer applied in several layers to a very light turned wooden container to create a fabulous chrysanthemum (kiku) design.

The chrysanthemum is the symbolic flower of Japan, the national emblem, the seal of the imperial family and cultivated with passion since time immemorial. The chrysanthemum decoration on this natsume is in the Fumai style. Matsudaira Fumai (1751-1818) was a famous tea master, daimyo and lord of the Matsue estate during the Edo period.

This large-coverage chrysanthemum decoration was applied by hand using the maki-e (powder) technique, worked in relief (several layers of lacquer forming the motif were applied before gold was sprinkled to give the decoration relief).

This natsume was made by craftsman Heian Hoshun

It is one of a kind dating from the Heisei era (1989-2018). It comes with its traditional paulownia wood protective box (tomobako) bearing the craftsman's name, and its braided sanadahimo cord.

Natsume (棗) are the small boxes with little variation in shape and size (which are codified), and which are made of Japanese urushi lacquer, housing the matcha tea powder during the traditional Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu and sadō). They are beautiful objects that can be used for tea or superb decorative pieces to collect and position individually or grouped on a pretty tray or in a display case. Modern productions are more often made of resin rather than lacquer, and of moulded wood powder or plastic. We only offer authentic traditional natsume made of genuine Japanese urushi lacquer and manufactured according to the rules of the art. These objects are rare and precious, and are bound to increase in value.

The traditional Japanese lacquer, urushi, is made from the sap of the lacquer tree (Rhus Verniciflua), which flows out after incision of the bark. It is a very precious material, a tree will only give a maximum of 200ml of sap in its life, which is worked by craftsmen each specialized in a particular stage. It takes many slow and meticulous operations to give life to lacquered objects. 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 lacquerware, you can read our dedicated article.

This object keeps in memory the hand of the craftsman who designed it with patience. It will accompany your daily life, bringing its delicate and refined beauty, while contributing to the preservation of unique craftsmanship.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS Clean with a very soft cloth to avoid scratches, soaked with a little warm water if necessary (never soak your lacquered 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 lacquered object.

Shipping costs will be calculated and added at checkout.