永田宗伴Nagata Sohan (1930-2016) Handcrafted Vintage 宮嶋製Miyajima Keyaki 拭漆仕上げFuki Urushi 糸目棗Itome Natsume Tea Caddy 宗伴Sohan 好Konomi with Signed Box Artist: Nagata Sohan nagata Sohan (1930-2016) (書付・好・花押) Shipping method: DHL Express Profile 永田宗伴Nagata Sohan (1930-2016) was a respected tea master of the 表千家Omotesenke tradition in Hiroshima, Japan. He served as a senior member and former leader of the Hiroshima branch of the 表千家Omotesenke Domonkai. His box inscriptions, handwritten kaō, and aesthetic supervision are appreciated by collectors of Japanese tea utensils and traditional crafts. This refined 宮嶋製Miyajima-made 欅Keyaki Kijibiki Natsume (tea caddy) is handcrafted from Japanese zelkova wood and finished with traditional 拭漆Fuki-urushi (wiped urushi lacquer). The body features elegant 糸目Itome concentric lathe lines, a hallmark of the highly skilled woodworking tradition of Miyajima Zaiku in Hiroshima. The accompanying certificate states: Miyajima-made Keyaki Fuki-urushi Itome Natsume Box inscription by Nagata Sohan Red kaō (stylized signature) by Nagata Sohan Certified by Nagata Sohan The paulownia box is inscribed: 宮島製 糸目棗 好 宗伴 In tea ceremony terminology, “Konomi (好)” indicates a design personally selected, approved, or supervised by a tea master rather than simply “liked.” Therefore, this tea caddy is best understood as a 宗伴Sohan-gonomi (Nagata Sohan preferred design) made by Miyajima craftsmen. The red mark inside the lid is not a seal but 永田宗伴Nagata Sohan’s handwritten red kaō, matching the description printed in the accompanying document. This piece represents a beautiful combination of traditional Miyajima lacquer craftsmanship and the aesthetic judgment of a respected tea master, making it an attractive collector’s item for Japanese tea ceremony enthusiasts. Material: Keyaki (Japanese Zelkova), Traditional Japanese Urushi Lacquer Use: Tea Ceremony / Tea Caddy (Natsume) Size 棗Natsume Height: 7.5 ㎝×Width: 7.5 cm×Depth: 7.5 cm 共箱Wooden Box Height: 10.5 cm×Width: 8.5 cm×Depth: 8.5 cm Condition Very good vintage condition with only minor signs of age and use. The lacquer retains an attractive gloss, and the original signed wooden box and certificate are included.