Vintage Japanese Lacquer Natsume (Matcha Tea Caddy) with Gold Makie Cranes and Chrysanthemums, Heisei era (1990-2018) | SKU: 26M-101-3

Vintage Japanese Lacquer Natsume (Matcha Tea Caddy) with Gold Makie Cranes and Chrysanthemums, Heisei era (1990-2018) | SKU: 26M-101-3

A masterfully lacquered natsume with gold makie cranes and chrysanthemums -- presented in a signed artist's wooden storage box.

A natsume is a small lidded container used in the Japanese tea ceremony (chado) to hold powdered matcha. Named for its resemblance to the jujube fruit, the natsume is one of the most admired objects in the tea world, prized as much for its artistic decoration as for its function. This exceptional example is finished in a deep, lustrous black lacquer and adorned with two distinct makie designs: one side features a spray of gold chrysanthemums (kiku) rising from delicate grass, while the reverse presents a trio of cranes in flight rendered in fine gold and silver detail with touches of red -- a motif symbolizing longevity and good fortune. The domed lid is decorated with swirling gold clouds (kumo) over a richly mottled nashiji (pear-skin) ground, adding textural depth to the composition. The interior is lacquered in a smooth, reflective black. The piece retains an impressive mirror gloss consistent with careful, scholarly use. It is accompanied by its original signed wooden tomobako storage box, inscribed and sealed by the maker -- a mark of serious craftsmanship and collectibility in the world of vintage Japanese lacquerware.

In a modern home, this handcrafted Japanese lacquer box makes a striking living room accent or display object on a shelf, mantle, or coffee table styled in a wabi-sabi or Japandi aesthetic. Its compact cylindrical form is equally at home on a vanity as a jewelry box for small rings or earrings, or on a home office desk as a lidded vessel for paper clips or keepsakes. A refined and meaningful unique gift for collectors, tea ceremony enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates the art of Japanese craft -- the natsume arrives with its original tomobako, adding provenance and display value.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1990-2018 (Heisei)
• Material: Wood with black urushi lacquer; gold and silver makie decoration; nashiji lid ground; signed paulownia-type tomobako storage box
• Use: Matcha tea caddy for use in the Japanese tea ceremony (chado)
• Modern Use: Living room decorative accent or display object; vanity jewelry box for small items; home office desk organizer or keepsake holder
• Features: Deep mirror-black lacquer body; gold makie chrysanthemum and crane motifs with red accent details; nashiji mottled lid with gold cloud decoration; smooth black lacquered interior; signed and sealed artist's tomobako wooden storage box with textile carrying cord
• Dimensions: 2 1/2"Diameter x 2 3/4"H
• Condition: Excellent

A luminous example of vintage Japanese lacquerware -- where centuries of tea ceremony tradition meet the refined artistry of makie gold decoration.

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.