Item Description This is a lacquered natsume (tea caddy), a cylindrical container used in the Japanese tea ceremony for storing powdered matcha. The lid is decorated in gold maki-e with a single bell cricket (suzumushi) rendered against a finely sprinkled gold nashiji ground, while the inner rim of the body carries a band of autumn grasses and flowers picked out in gold and touches of red lacquer. The main body and underside are finished in plain black lacquer (roiro), providing a restrained contrast to the decorated lid and rim. The piece is signed 土居義峰 Doi Yoshimine, with an accompanying square seal (kakuin). Doi Yoshimine is a lacquer artist (nushi) working in the Yamanaka-nuri (山中塗) tradition of Ishikawa Prefecture. Yamanaka-nuri is officially recognised as a Traditional Craft by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and is particularly known for its wood-turning and maki-e decoration. The natsume comes with its original wooden storage box (tomobako), which bears an ink inscription (sumigaki) on the right-hand line reading "鈴虫蒔絵" (Suzumushi Maki-e / "Bell Cricket Maki-e"), along with the artist's signature "義峰" and square seal. Size Height: 7 cm Width: 7 cm Depth: 7 cm Weight 88 g Condition The lacquer surfaces are in good overall condition with no significant chips or losses observed; the piece has been inspected visually only, with no functional testing applicable given its nature as a tea utensil. Minor handling wear consistent with age and use may be present but does not detract from the overall presentation. Artist Profile Doi Yoshimine is a lacquer artist (nushi) active in Ishikawa Prefecture within the Yamanaka-nuri lacquerware tradition, one of Japan's officially designated Traditional Crafts. In 1999 he was recognised as a Dentō Kōgeishi (Traditional Craftsman), a title conferred on artisans who have demonstrated mastery of a traditional technique over an extended period. Yamanaka-nuri is especially noted for its refined wood-turning (kijishi) work and for maki-e decoration applied over the turned lacquer surface, a combination reflected in the present piece through its turned form and gold-decorated lid and rim. Additional Information Artist: 土居義峰 Doi Yoshimine, lacquer artist (nushi) in the Yamanaka-nuri tradition, recognised as a Dentō Kōgeishi (Traditional Craftsman) in 1999. Origin: Japan, Yamanaka-nuri lacquerware. Accompanied by the original wooden tomobako storage box with ink inscription and artist's seal. 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.