Natsume (tea box) Japanese urushi lacquer and gold powder maki-e decoration, Shunju motif (spring and autumn)
This natsume (Japanese tea box) was handcrafted using traditional urushi lacquer techniques applied in several layers to a very light wooden container, the last layers with a very beautiful dense and shiny black lacquer. This is a natsume Ōhira, p wider and flatter ("Ōhira" literally means "large and flat"), traditionally used for specific preparations of usucha tea (thin tea) during ceremonies.
It was decorated with a shunju motif, meaning spring (cherry blossoms - sakura) and autumn (red maple leaves - momiji), a symbol of ephemeral beauty, harmony and balance, which was applied with gold powder using the maki-e technique and red lacquer. Mother-of-pearl (raden technique) was also added to some maple leaves. The inside of the natsume is covered with a very beautiful shiny black lacquer.
This natsume was made by the art craftsman Sōetsu Nakamura (born 1932, Ishikawa Prefecture), a Japanese master lacquerer specializing in maki-e (gold or silver powder decoration on lacquer) and kyūshitsu (meticulous application of lacquer on wood), trained since 1946 and awarded several prestigious prizes. He also received instruction in the tea ceremony from Master Sōwa Nakao, which influenced his way of creating natsume.
This is a unique example dating from the Shōwa era (1926-1989) . It comes with its protective box made of paulownia wood (tomobako) on which is indicated the name of the craftsman with his official seal and the name of the work; of his protective fabric (tomonuno) turmeric with the official seal of the artisan and a braided cord (sanadahimo).
| PLACE OF MANUFACTURE | JAPAN |
| DIMENSIONS |
Diameter 8cm - Height 5.5cm. |
| WEIGHT | Natsume alone: 60gr; natsume + boxes: 168gr |
| 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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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.