Lot 50 A JAPANESE NATSUME TEA-CADDY, 20TH CENTURY

Crafted with a rich, jet-black lacquered surface, the cylindrical form is adorned in finely executed gold maki-e decoration, featuring a majestic pine tree rising from a rocky base. The lustrous gold contrasts beautifully against the dark background, enhanced by a shimmering inlay of iridescent shell (raden) embedded within the textured bark of the tree — a hallmark of refined Japanese artistry. The caddy consists of two smoothly fitting sections, with the interior finished in deep black lacquer and the rim lined in a golden-brown tone for durability and accent. The underside of the lid mirrors the external design, displaying continuity of craftsmanship and aesthetic harmony.
Traditionally used in chanoyu (the Japanese tea ceremony) for holding finely powdered matcha, this Natsume is more than a functional vessel — it is a symbol of seasonal beauty, longevity (pine), and natural harmony.
Accompanied by its signed wooden storage box (tomobako) with silk tie, this Natsume is a superb example of modern lacquer tradition, perfect for collectors, tea practitioners, or connoisseurs of Japanese fine craft.
7.5 by 5 cm.