Natsume - Wood, lacquerware - Vermilion *Natsume* (Tea

This vessel features the classic medium-sized *natsume* (jujube-shaped) tea caddy form, characterized by a rounded, full silhouette and graceful, soft lines. The exterior is finished in a vibrant vermilion lacquer, boasting a refined texture and a lustrous sheen.
Both the lid and the body are decorated using the *Shippō-maki-e* (Seven Treasures *maki-e*) technique, featuring motifs of cherry blossoms and maple leaves. The cherry blossoms are rendered against a brown background with gold stamens, while the maple leaves are depicted using gold leaf and gold lacquer. This combination harmoniously blends the imagery of spring/summer and autumn/winter into a single piece, creating an elegant and dignified aesthetic of gold patterns set against a red ground.
The interior is finished in pure black lacquer, with the rim accented by a delicate gold line—a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship. The piece comes with its original paulownia wood box; the name of the vessel is inscribed in ink on the exterior, while the underside of the lid bears the artist Yūtetsu’s (祐哲) signature and seal. This tea caddy serves as both a functional tea ceremony utensil and a magnificent collector's piece of lacquerware.