Natsume - Wild Goose and Rice Ear Maki-e with Mother of Pearl Inlay Tea Caddy by Ichigo Itcho (一后一兆)

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【Product details】

This elegant flat natsume is finished in a rich black lacquer and decorated with a wild goose in graceful flight above rice ears. The rice ears are inlaid with raden (mother-of-pearl), their iridescent surfaces catching the light beautifully, while several small pieces of gold leaf accent the leaves to create a sparkling, lively expression across the design.

The inside of the lid features a full moon rendered in nashiji. Maki-e is a traditional Japanese decorative technique in which gold or silver powder is sprinkled onto wet lacquer to form intricate images. Nashiji employs a similar method, using fine metallic flecks to produce a soft, pear-skin-like shimmer and depth to the surface. Wajima-nuri, produced in Wajima, Ishikawa, is renowned as a pinnacle of Japanese lacquerware for its durability and beauty, created through more than 23 stages and over 124 individual steps.

In Japanese symbolism, the wild goose represents perseverance, safe travels, and the promise of return. Rice ears symbolise abundance, prosperity, and the blessings of a fruitful harvest, making this combination an especially auspicious motif.

Ichigo Itchō (1898–1991), a highly regarded Wajima lacquer master, was repeatedly selected for Nitten exhibitions and admired by the Imperial Household. Works by him appear on the market today and are considered highly prized. The underside of the lid bears his signature “Ichigo” (一兆), and the tomobako (wooden storage box) is signed and sealed with the inscription “雁蒔絵” (Wild Goose Maki-e).

There is a small dent on the lid, a few chips on the mother-of-pearl, a dent on the rim, and a tiny lacquer chip. Remains in good used condition. Please refer to the photos for details.

Dimensions: approx. H 5.6 cm W 7.9 cm D 7.9 cm

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Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!