Shosai - Tea caddy/ box (4) - Wood - Four Seasons Maki-e Set
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A set of four lacquered tea caddies (natsume) by Shosai, with four seasonal maki-e designs in black, deep reddish-brown and vermilion, on wood with gold maki-e, including tomobako boxes, dimensions 7.5 × 7 × 7 cm, dating 1900–2000.
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Description from the seller
Item Description
A set of 4 lacquered tea caddies (natsume and related forms) used in the tea ceremony, made by Shosai, with the four seasons as their theme. The set includes a cylindrical kanakoji form and a fubuki form. Each piece is finished in a different lacquer colour — black, deep reddish-brown, and vermilion — and decorated with seasonal motifs in fine gold maki-e.
The designs feature autumn ivy leaves transitioning from green to orange, slender blades of grass in gold and green, fireflies flying among reeds, and a crane in flight carrying a pine branch with pine needles. The lacquer has a lustrous sheen, and the gold maki-e — rendered in exquisite detail down to the leaf veins and feather lines — is a particular highlight. The interiors are finished in black or red lacquer. Original wooden boxes (tomobako) are included.
Dimensions
Height: 7.5 cm
Width: 7 cm
Depth: 7 cm
(Largest dimensions among the 4 pieces)
Weight
183 g (combined weight of all 4 pieces)
Condition
There is light wear, minor scratches, and slight soiling consistent with age and use. Please refer to the photographs for details.
Additional Information
Maker: Shosai (as signed). Materials: lacquer with gold maki-e decoration. Quantity: 4 pieces.
Included: original wooden boxes (tomobako).
The item will be carefully packaged and shipped by Japan Post or DHL, depending on the situation.
Due to the changes to the EU tax-free (VAT) system, Japan Post has become unable to ship certain goods valued at €150 or less to an increasing number of European countries. Depending on the destination and circumstances, the shipping method may therefore be changed from Japan Post to DHL.
Delivery normally takes approximately 3 weeks, or up to 3 months if the item is shipped by sea.
Please note that import duties, taxes, customs fees, and other charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility.
For customs clearance, your local customs office or delivery company may contact you by phone or email. To avoid any delays or the return of the parcel, please ensure that you can respond promptly to any such requests. If the parcel is returned due to an inability to contact you or complete customs clearance, additional shipping charges, which may be more than twice the original shipping cost, will apply for reshipment.
Thank you for your kind understanding and cooperation. We will do our utmost to ensure that your item arrives safely and without any issues.
Seller's Story
A Japanese living in Japan, I appreciate traditional and modern art.
I specialize in selecting artworks that reflect quiet strength, refined beauty, and timeless craftsmanship of Japanese culture. My collection focuses on pieces that carry a story—whether traditional ukiyo‑e prints, contemporary works inspired by wabi‑sabi aesthetics, or handcrafted items created by regional artisans.
With years of experience working closely with artists, studios, and collectors across Japan, I take pride in offering works that are both visually compelling and culturally meaningful. Every item is carefully curated for authenticity, condition, and artistic value, ensuring that bidders can participate with confidence.
My goal is to connect international collectors with the richness of Japanese artistry—pieces that bring harmony, character, and a touch of Japan’s spirit into your home.
I look forward to sharing these works with you and hope they inspire the same appreciation and joy they bring to me :)
Translated by Google TranslateItem Description
A set of 4 lacquered tea caddies (natsume and related forms) used in the tea ceremony, made by Shosai, with the four seasons as their theme. The set includes a cylindrical kanakoji form and a fubuki form. Each piece is finished in a different lacquer colour — black, deep reddish-brown, and vermilion — and decorated with seasonal motifs in fine gold maki-e.
The designs feature autumn ivy leaves transitioning from green to orange, slender blades of grass in gold and green, fireflies flying among reeds, and a crane in flight carrying a pine branch with pine needles. The lacquer has a lustrous sheen, and the gold maki-e — rendered in exquisite detail down to the leaf veins and feather lines — is a particular highlight. The interiors are finished in black or red lacquer. Original wooden boxes (tomobako) are included.
Dimensions
Height: 7.5 cm
Width: 7 cm
Depth: 7 cm
(Largest dimensions among the 4 pieces)
Weight
183 g (combined weight of all 4 pieces)
Condition
There is light wear, minor scratches, and slight soiling consistent with age and use. Please refer to the photographs for details.
Additional Information
Maker: Shosai (as signed). Materials: lacquer with gold maki-e decoration. Quantity: 4 pieces.
Included: original wooden boxes (tomobako).
The item will be carefully packaged and shipped by Japan Post or DHL, depending on the situation.
Due to the changes to the EU tax-free (VAT) system, Japan Post has become unable to ship certain goods valued at €150 or less to an increasing number of European countries. Depending on the destination and circumstances, the shipping method may therefore be changed from Japan Post to DHL.
Delivery normally takes approximately 3 weeks, or up to 3 months if the item is shipped by sea.
Please note that import duties, taxes, customs fees, and other charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility.
For customs clearance, your local customs office or delivery company may contact you by phone or email. To avoid any delays or the return of the parcel, please ensure that you can respond promptly to any such requests. If the parcel is returned due to an inability to contact you or complete customs clearance, additional shipping charges, which may be more than twice the original shipping cost, will apply for reshipment.
Thank you for your kind understanding and cooperation. We will do our utmost to ensure that your item arrives safely and without any issues.
Seller's Story
A Japanese living in Japan, I appreciate traditional and modern art.
I specialize in selecting artworks that reflect quiet strength, refined beauty, and timeless craftsmanship of Japanese culture. My collection focuses on pieces that carry a story—whether traditional ukiyo‑e prints, contemporary works inspired by wabi‑sabi aesthetics, or handcrafted items created by regional artisans.
With years of experience working closely with artists, studios, and collectors across Japan, I take pride in offering works that are both visually compelling and culturally meaningful. Every item is carefully curated for authenticity, condition, and artistic value, ensuring that bidders can participate with confidence.
My goal is to connect international collectors with the richness of Japanese artistry—pieces that bring harmony, character, and a touch of Japan’s spirit into your home.
I look forward to sharing these works with you and hope they inspire the same appreciation and joy they bring to me :)
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Era
1900-2000
Title additional information
Four Seasons Maki-e Set
Number of objects
4
Country of origin
Japan
Material
Wood
Designer/artist/maker
Shosai
Style
Vintage
Colour
Multicolour
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of ageing
Height
7.5 cm
Width
7 cm
Depth
7 cm
Estimated period
1900-2000
