Item Description: This is a fine Japanese lacquerware tea caddy (natsume) decorated with an tsuta (ivy) maki-e design, made by the lacquer artist Hosai, and accompanied by its original wooden storage box (tomobako). The natsume is the quintessential vessel for storing powdered tea (matcha) used in the Japanese tea ceremony (chado), and this example displays the refined elegance expected of a quality tea utensil. The body is finished in rich black lacquer (kuro-urushi), upon which graceful trailing ivy vines are rendered in delicate gold maki-e — the technique of drawing patterns in lacquer and dusting with gold powder before drying, a hallmark of Japanese decorative lacquerwork. The ivy motif (tsuta) is a classical and auspicious design in Japanese art, symbolizing vitality, longevity, and the passage of time. The piece is compact and well-proportioned, with a snugly fitting lid. An elegant and functional work of traditional Japanese lacquer craft, suitable for display or active use in the tea ceremony. Size Height: 6 cm Width: 6.5 cm Depth: 6 cm Weight: 50 g (including lid) Condition The piece is in very good overall condition with no notable damage to the body; the outer wooden box shows some wear and corner damage consistent with age. Artist Profile Hosai is a Japanese lacquer artist (shitsugeika) working in the tradition of maki-e lacquerware. Maki-e is one of Japan's most celebrated decorative lacquer techniques, in which designs are drawn in lacquer and dusted with gold or silver powder before drying, creating luminous patterns of exceptional refinement. This tradition has been cultivated in Japan since the Heian period and remains one of the defining art forms of Japanese craft culture. Tea ceremony utensils such as the natsume represent one of the most prestigious applications of the maki-e craft, demanding both technical mastery and a deep understanding of the aesthetic sensibilities of the tea ceremony. NOITICE: The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation. It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. I appreciate your cooperation.