Two Japanese Pine & Crane Lacquer Natsume - 棗 - Wood

Two Japanese Pine & Crane Lacquer Natsume.

The lacquer Natsume on the right:
Artist: Aoi Haru (葵春)
Size: Height approx. 6.5 cm (2.56 in) × max. diameter approx. 6.8 cm (2.68 in)
Box size: Height approx. 9.6 cm (3.78 in) × width approx. 8.5 cm (3.35 in)
Weight: Natsume approx. 59 g; with box approx. 156 g
Period: Japanese Shōwa Period (c. 1950s – 1960s)

This Matsugui-zuru (cranes bearing pine sprigs) natsume was made by the Japanese lacquer artisan Aoi Haru. It is presented with its original paulownia wood storage box and custom fabric pouch.

The vessel employs the traditional bokashi-nuri gradient lacquer technique. The upper half is coated in rich vermilion lacquer, which flows naturally into deep black lacquer toward the base. The finish has a lustrous, mirror-smooth surface, representative of classic Japanese lacquer craftsmanship.

Lid and body are embellished with elaborate makie (gold-powder lacquer) artwork featuring cranes holding pine sprigs. Within Japanese culture, pine and cranes are enduring symbols of longevity and good fortune, so this motif is widely cherished for tea ceremony implements.

Three cranes adorn the lid, while additional crane figures wrap around the body. The lively designs, rendered with sharp, clean lines, are attractive from every viewpoint and testify to superb artistry and meticulous detailing.

The lacquer Natsume on the left:
Artist: Ikehata Harimine (池端治峰)
Size: Height approx. 7.5 cm (2.95 in) × max. diameter approx. 6.5 cm (2.56 in)
Box size: Height approx. 9.6 cm (3.78 in) × width approx. 8.5 cm (3.35 in)
Weight: Natsume approx. 60 g; with box approx. 162 g
Period: Japanese Shōwa Period (c. 1970s – 1980s)

This natsume was handmade by the celebrated Japanese lacquer artist Ikehata Harimine. It is supplied with its original paulownia wood tomobako and a dedicated tea cloth.

Fashioned on a wooden core, the piece is finished in lustrous vermilion lacquer, known locally as aka-nuri. The surface is smooth and highly polished. Its interior is lined with black lacquer, creating a striking contrast with the exterior. Practically, this lacquer lining repels moisture and unwanted odours, keeping matcha fresh for a long time. This is a classic medium-sized natsume, featuring a full, rounded shape and graceful, gentle lines.

The lid is decorated with a stylised crane. Painted in a simple yet vivid style, this traditional motif symbolises longevity and good fortune in Japanese culture.

The body of the natsume bears black-lacquer paintings of pine trees and stylised landscapes. Pine patterns, alongside geometric lines evoking rolling waves and distant mountains, harmonise perfectly with the crane on the lid, forming a unified pine-and-crane theme. This auspicious pairing is a timeless design for Japanese tea ceremony utensils, representing lasting health and well-being.

In Japanese culture, vermilion lacquer stands for purity and vitality. As an evergreen, pine symbolises longevity, just as the crane does.

Due to its age, the natsume and tomobako show natural aging and minor wear. The lacquer finish is fully intact, with no cracks or peeling. Overall condition is good for its age.

- The picture is part of the description. The color of the item may be slightly different from the picture (due to camera and screen settings).

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