Exquisite lacquer tea caddy 棗 (natsume) by Sôya Hisada 久田宗也 (1925-2010) with a refined golden takamaki-e 高蒔絵 (high-relief lacquer design) displaying a fully bloomed chrysanthemum 菊 (kiku) with its petals elegantly stretching across the sides. Executed in different shades of gold lacquer, adding depth and dimension to the piece. The heart of the flower highlighted by square pieces of kirigane 切金 (cut and inlaid pieces of gold leaf). The inside is coated with a matte black lacquer finish. The debossed bottom side signed in discreet glossy black lacquer: ‘Jingyûsai’ 尋牛斎. A signature used by the artist Sôya Hisada 久田宗也. Sôya Hisada, born on January 21, 1925, and passed away on October 22, 2010, was a prominent figure in the world of tea ceremony. The Hisada family, with a long history in tea, traces its roots to the tea master Sôei 宗栄, who participated in the renowned Kitano Ôchanoyu 北野大茶湯 during the era of Sen no Rikyû 利休. Sôya Hisada, the eldest son of Mutekisai 無適斎, graduated from Kyoto University and studied under the 13th Omotesenke Grand Master Sôsa 千宗左. Known for his expertise, he authored notable works, including Cha no Dôgu 『茶の道具』 and Cha no Yu Yôgoshu 『茶の湯用語集』. Including original wooden tomobako 供箱 (storage box) with an inscription on the top of the lid, and 3-character name seal of the artist on the box. Dimensions: Height 7.1 cm, Diameter 7.3 cm. Period: Japan – Second half 20th century (Late Shôwa period/Heisei period). The natsume is in a very good original condition. Two tiny pieces of kirigane missing (2 mm) on top. Please look a the photos for a condition reference. When shipped we will add a certificate of authenticity. Please note: Due to the holidays, shipping and handling times may be longer. Thank you for your understanding.