Please read before bidding — Shipping Notice: The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by DHL or FedEx depending on the situation. It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Sometimes Customs or the delivery company in your country will contact you for customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you are able to answer the phone. If you do not respond, the parcel will be returned to me and it will cost more than double the shipping fee for reshipping. I appreciate your cooperation. A refined Japanese natsume (tea caddy) for usucha (thin tea), adorned with an elegant maki-e design depicting tsukushi (horsetail sprouts) — a beloved motif in Japanese art symbolizing the arrival of spring. The composition shows clusters of the distinctive jointed stems rising from the earth against a lustrous deep-black lacquer ground, executed in fine gold maki-e technique. The delicate golden forms are rendered with remarkable naturalism, capturing the characteristic spore-bearing cones and sheath rings of the plant in meticulous detail. The interior is finished in a refined silver tone, providing an elegant contrast to the bold exterior design. The piece bears an artist's kakihan (signature mark) in gold on the underside of the base, suggesting the work of a skilled lacquer craftsman, though attribution to a specific named artist has not been confirmed. The natsume is housed in a tomobako (original wooden storage box) tied with a silk cord. The tsukushi motif is a classic design associated with the change of seasons from winter to spring, making this an ideal piece for an early spring tea gathering. This piece represents the finest tradition of Japanese lacquer craftsmanship — a distinguished tea utensil suitable for use in the tea ceremony or as a collector's display item. My Message Thank you so much for viewing my item. I run a recycle shop in Japan, and I joined Catawiki because I want to share wonderful items filled with Japanese craftsmanship and history with people around the world. If you have any questions about this item, please feel free to message me at any time. With gratitude to all of you — ARIGATO Shipping Notice (repeated for reference): The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by DHL or FedEx depending on the situation. It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Sometimes Customs or the delivery company in your country will contact you for customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you are able to answer the phone. If you do not respond, the parcel will be returned to me and it will cost more than double the shipping fee for reshipping. I appreciate your cooperation. Size Height: 7 cm Width: 6.5 cm Depth: 6.5 cm Weight 50 g Condition The exterior lacquer and gold maki-e decoration are in good condition with only minor age-appropriate surface wear; the interior shows light scuffing consistent with previous use. Artist Profile The piece bears a two-character gold kakihan (artist's signature mark) on the underside of the base, indicating the work of a trained lacquer craftsman. The specific artist has not been conclusively identified; the piece is offered as the work of an unidentified but skilled Japanese maki-e artist. Catawiki出品項目 Title of Artwork: Gold Maki-e Natsume Tea Caddy — Horsetail Sprouts (Tsukushi) Spring Motif, with Original Box Artist: Unknown Japanese Maki-e Artist (signature mark present) Category: Japanese Lacquerware / Tea Ceremony Utensils Technique: Maki-e (gold lacquer on black lacquer) Material: Wood, urushi lacquer, gold powder Period / Year: 20th century (estimated) Country of origin: Japan Condition: Good condition: some signs of wear or use Height: 7 cm Width: 6.5 cm Depth: 6.5 cm Weight: 50 g Colour: Black, Gold, Silver (interior)