Soetsu Nakamura (中村宗悦) (b.1932) - Tea caddy/ box - Lacquer - Shichifukujin Maki-e
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Japanese lacquer, natsume-style tea caddy by Soetsu Nakamura (Shichifukujin Maki-e), dating to ca. 1990–2000, in excellent condition, 6.4 × 8.9 × 8.9 cm, with gold maki-e of the Seven Lucky Gods.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
A jewel-toned lacquer tea caddy carrying all Seven Lucky Gods in fine gold maki-e.
Built up in urushi lacquer using the kyushitsu technique — a demanding layered application by spatula and brush — this natsume-style tea caddy shows a warm, translucent red ground over black, with the Seven Lucky Gods (Ebisu, Daikokuten, Bishamonten, Benzaiten, Fukurokuju, Jurōjin and Hotei) rendered in delicate gold maki-e around the body. The lustrous, deep-toned finish and fine linework reflect Nakamura's grounding in classical lacquer technique alongside his long training in the tea ceremony.
【Artist Profile】
Soetsu Nakamura (b. 1932) is a lacquer artist from Ishikawa Prefecture who began studying kyushitsu lacquer technique under his father from the age of fourteen. He went on to receive tea ceremony instruction from the priest Sōwa Nakao, and produced numerous award-winning works at the National Lacquerware Exhibition through the 1980s. In 1987 he was granted the tea name "Sōkyō," and in 1992 he was recognised as an associate professor of tea ceremony. His work centres on natsume, tea caddies, incense containers and other implements for the tea room, combining traditional lacquer techniques such as shin-nuri and Kaga maki-e with a refined, nature-inspired sensibility.
【Condition】
Excellent. Minor signs of age commensurate with careful storage.
【Shipping】
Carefully packed and shipped internationally with full tracking for safe delivery.
=============================================
*** IMPORTANT SHIPPING NOTICE - PLEASE READ BEFORE BIDDING ***
=============================================
【SHIPPING NOTICE FOR CERTAIN EU COUNTRIES】
Due to customs issues with IOSS shipments, Japan Post EMS is currently unable to accept parcels valued at €150 or less to the following countries:
>> AUSTRIA / BELGIUM / DENMARK / FINLAND / FRANCE / GERMANY / LUXEMBOURG / PORTUGAL
If your delivery address is in one of these countries and the final price is €150 or less, shipping may be delayed until EMS resumes, or the item may need to be sent by an alternative courier at additional shipping cost. By placing a bid, you acknowledge and accept this condition. I will contact you after the auction to confirm the best option.
【※Important Information – Please Read Before Bidding※】
Customs duties, VAT, and import clearance fees are not included in the shipping cost and are the responsibility of the buyer. These charges vary depending on your country's import regulations and are beyond the seller's control. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. All items are carefully packed and promptly shipped with tracking to ensure safe delivery. Please bid with confidence.
Seller's Story
Welcome to Zen Finds, where the timeless spirit of Japanese art meets contemporary sensibility.
I specialize in authentic Japanese antiques, fine crafts, and artworks that embody the essence of balance, craftsmanship, and quiet beauty. Each item is hand-selected in Japan for its cultural depth, aesthetic harmony, and the story it carries within.
My focus is not on quantity, but on meaning — sharing works that speak softly yet reveal the depth of Japanese aesthetics through simplicity and silence. I collaborate with trusted sources and collectors across Japan to curate genuine pieces that reflect the country’s artistic heritage.
The name “Zen Finds” expresses the idea of discovering beauty in stillness — treasures that invite contemplation and connect people to the quiet spirit of Japan.
Every item is carefully packed and shipped worldwide with respect and attention to detail, ensuring it reaches collectors in perfect condition.
Each piece is a quiet reflection of Japan’s enduring beauty, waiting to find its place in your collection.
A jewel-toned lacquer tea caddy carrying all Seven Lucky Gods in fine gold maki-e.
Built up in urushi lacquer using the kyushitsu technique — a demanding layered application by spatula and brush — this natsume-style tea caddy shows a warm, translucent red ground over black, with the Seven Lucky Gods (Ebisu, Daikokuten, Bishamonten, Benzaiten, Fukurokuju, Jurōjin and Hotei) rendered in delicate gold maki-e around the body. The lustrous, deep-toned finish and fine linework reflect Nakamura's grounding in classical lacquer technique alongside his long training in the tea ceremony.
【Artist Profile】
Soetsu Nakamura (b. 1932) is a lacquer artist from Ishikawa Prefecture who began studying kyushitsu lacquer technique under his father from the age of fourteen. He went on to receive tea ceremony instruction from the priest Sōwa Nakao, and produced numerous award-winning works at the National Lacquerware Exhibition through the 1980s. In 1987 he was granted the tea name "Sōkyō," and in 1992 he was recognised as an associate professor of tea ceremony. His work centres on natsume, tea caddies, incense containers and other implements for the tea room, combining traditional lacquer techniques such as shin-nuri and Kaga maki-e with a refined, nature-inspired sensibility.
【Condition】
Excellent. Minor signs of age commensurate with careful storage.
【Shipping】
Carefully packed and shipped internationally with full tracking for safe delivery.
=============================================
*** IMPORTANT SHIPPING NOTICE - PLEASE READ BEFORE BIDDING ***
=============================================
【SHIPPING NOTICE FOR CERTAIN EU COUNTRIES】
Due to customs issues with IOSS shipments, Japan Post EMS is currently unable to accept parcels valued at €150 or less to the following countries:
>> AUSTRIA / BELGIUM / DENMARK / FINLAND / FRANCE / GERMANY / LUXEMBOURG / PORTUGAL
If your delivery address is in one of these countries and the final price is €150 or less, shipping may be delayed until EMS resumes, or the item may need to be sent by an alternative courier at additional shipping cost. By placing a bid, you acknowledge and accept this condition. I will contact you after the auction to confirm the best option.
【※Important Information – Please Read Before Bidding※】
Customs duties, VAT, and import clearance fees are not included in the shipping cost and are the responsibility of the buyer. These charges vary depending on your country's import regulations and are beyond the seller's control. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. All items are carefully packed and promptly shipped with tracking to ensure safe delivery. Please bid with confidence.
Seller's Story
Welcome to Zen Finds, where the timeless spirit of Japanese art meets contemporary sensibility.
I specialize in authentic Japanese antiques, fine crafts, and artworks that embody the essence of balance, craftsmanship, and quiet beauty. Each item is hand-selected in Japan for its cultural depth, aesthetic harmony, and the story it carries within.
My focus is not on quantity, but on meaning — sharing works that speak softly yet reveal the depth of Japanese aesthetics through simplicity and silence. I collaborate with trusted sources and collectors across Japan to curate genuine pieces that reflect the country’s artistic heritage.
The name “Zen Finds” expresses the idea of discovering beauty in stillness — treasures that invite contemplation and connect people to the quiet spirit of Japan.
Every item is carefully packed and shipped worldwide with respect and attention to detail, ensuring it reaches collectors in perfect condition.
Each piece is a quiet reflection of Japan’s enduring beauty, waiting to find its place in your collection.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Title additional information
Shichifukujin Maki-e
Country of origin
Japan
Material
Lacquer
Designer/artist/maker
Soetsu Nakamura (中村宗悦) (b.1932)
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Height
6.4 cm
Width
8.9 cm
Depth
8.9 cm
Estimated period
1990-2000
