Vintage Japanese Lacquer Natsume (Tea Caddy) with Gold Maki-e Hagi and Bird Motifs, Heisei Era (1990-2018) | SKU: 26M-101-1

Vintage Japanese Lacquer Natsume (Tea Caddy) with Gold Maki-e Hagi and Bird Motifs, Heisei Era (1990-2018) | SKU: 26M-101-1

A signed Satsuma-style lacquer natsume with gold maki-e hagi and bird motifs, presented in its original wooden storage box.

A natsume is a traditional Japanese tea caddy used in the chado (tea ceremony) to hold powdered matcha. Named for its resemblance to the jujube fruit, the natsume is one of the most refined objects in the tea ceremony world -- a small vessel that rewards close inspection. This example is finished in a deep kuro-urushi (black lacquer) ground with elegant gold maki-e decoration: slender hagi (bush clover) branches bearing delicate blossoms sweep across the body, while a single bird in flight graces the lid in bold gold silhouette. The lacquer surface carries a subtle, mottled texture consistent with Satsuma lacquerware traditions, lending depth and quiet drama to the gloss finish. The piece comes in a handmade wooden storage box (tomobako) with ink inscription and a red artist seal, indicating this is a signed, named-artist work -- a hallmark of serious Japanese craft collecting.

In a modern home, this handcrafted Japanese lacquerware caddy works beautifully as a lidded jewelry box on a bedroom vanity or dressing table, keeping rings and earrings safe in its smooth lacquered interior. Displayed on a living room shelf or entry console alongside other vintage Japanese craft objects, it makes a compelling decorative accent in a wabi-sabi or Japandi style interior. Its compact scale and striking black-and-gold palette also make it a distinctive gift for collectors -- an especially thoughtful housewarming gift or present for a Japanophile who appreciates handmade objects with genuine provenance.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1990-2018 (Heisei)
• Material: Wood core with kuro-urushi (black lacquer) finish; gold maki-e decoration; kiri (paulownia) tomobako storage box
• Use: Matcha tea ceremony caddy (natsume) for storing powdered tea
• Modern Use: Lidded jewelry box or ring dish; decorative accent for a living room or bedroom shelf; unique gift for collectors and Japanophiles
• Features: Deep black lacquer ground with mottled texture; gold maki-e hagi (bush clover) motif across body; gold bird-in-flight motif on lid; fitted lift-off lid with smooth interior; signed tomobako wooden storage box with ink inscription and artist seal
• Dimensions: 2 1/2"Diameter x 2 3/4"H
• Condition: Excellent

A signed work of vintage Japanese lacquerware that brings the quiet elegance of the tea ceremony into any modern home.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.