Okamoto Yosai — Kiefer & Rankende Rebe Gold Maki-e Schwarzlack Natsume - Holz, Lack - Okamoto Yosai (岡本陽斎, 1932-) - Japan - 1900–2000

Item Description
This is a mid-sized natsume (tea caddy) crafted by the acclaimed Wajima-nuri lacquer artist Okamoto Yosai (岡本陽斎, b. 1932). Born in Kyoto and based in Ishikawa Prefecture — the heartland of Wajima lacquerware — Yosai is known for his refined maki-e work on traditional tea ceremony utensils.
The piece is finished in deep black lacquer over a faceted, chestnut-shaped body with subtle vertical ribbing. Sweeping gold maki-e decoration of pine needles (matsu) entwined with elegant scrolling vine (karakusa) motifs wraps around the lid and body, catching the light beautifully against the lustrous black ground. The interior is lacquered in plain black, and the lid fits snugly with a discreet inner rim. This natsume would traditionally hold matcha for the Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu), and comes complete with its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako), inscribed by the artist and bearing his seal.
A refined, highly decorative example of Wajima lacquer craftsmanship — ideal for collectors of Japanese tea utensils or lacquer art.

Size
Height: 7 cm
Width: 6.5 cm
Depth: 6.5 cm

Weight
44 g / 0.044 kg

Condition
No noticeable scratches, chips, or stains are present; only light wear consistent with age may exist. Comes complete with the original signed tomobako storage box.

Artist Profile
Okamoto Yosai (岡本陽斎, b. 1932) is a Wajima-nuri lacquer artist born in Kyoto, with his workshop based in Ishikawa Prefecture. He is recognized for combining traditional maki-e, raden (mother-of-pearl inlay), and kokuso lacquer techniques, often contrasting black and red lacquer grounds. His output centers on tea ceremony wares — natsume, incense containers (kogo), and tea bowls — frequently decorated with floral, pine, and crane motifs rendered in balanced, harmonious compositions.

NOITICE:

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