Natsume (tea caddy) lacquer and gold, matsu (pine) motif by Ikkō Kiyose
This natsume (Japanese tea box) was handcrafted using traditional urushi lacquer techniques applied in several layers to a very light wooden container. It is a ō-natsume, a larger-sized natsume. It was made by one of the most renowned masters of Japanese lacquer art, Ikkō Kiyose.
On a beautiful deep and shiny black lacquer, a very fine and detailed decoration of pine trees (matsu, very present in Japanese natsume decorations, symbol of longevity, resilience and loyalty) was applied with gold powder with a slight relief, a work of great complexity especially on the needles of the pine trees which are very fine. Small gold squares were inlaid on the trunks. The base of the natsume was worked with a gold gradient. The interior is covered with gold with the nashiji technique which consists of sprinkling very fine particles of gold on the surface before being covered with layers of translucent lacquer, creating a sparkling effect reminiscent of the skin of a pear (nashi).
This natsume was made by the art craftsman Ikkō Kiyose, born in 1942 in Kanazawa, is a master lacquerer renowned for his mastery of maki-e. Heir to a line of craftsmen, he succeeded his father in 1986 and was designated a traditional art craftsman in 1995 (an official recognition guaranteeing know-how, authenticity, prestige and value on the art market). His works are highly prized on the art market and in the world of chanoyu (the tea ceremony).
This is a unique copy dating from the Heisei era (1989-2019) . It comes with its protective paulownia wood box (tomobako) on which is indicated the name of the craftsman with his official seal and the name of the work; of a protective fabric (tomonuno) and a braided cord (sanadahimo).
| PLACE OF MANUFACTURE | JAPAN |
| DIMENSIONS |
Diameter 7.3cm - Height 7.3cm. |
| WEIGHT | Natsume alone: 63gr; natsume + boxes: 186gr |
| 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
By card (Stripe operator): Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express.
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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.