Shugaku(秀岳) "Four Seasons Plants and Flowers Maki-e Flat Natsume" This work, "Four Seasons Plants and Flowers Maki-e Flat Natsume," by lacquer master Shugaku, embodies the beauty of Japan's nature and the spirit of the tea ceremony. On a lustrous black lacquer background, gold maki-e (lacquer lacquer) depicts seasonal motifs, such as flowers, autumn grasses, and dragonflies. Rather than depicting a specific season, the painting depicts the quiet cycle of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. In Japanese culture, the "four seasons" are not simply natural changes, but a concept that represents a way of life and spirituality itself. The flowers depicted on this natsume are depicted without exaggeration, blooming in the field, swaying in the breeze, and eventually disappearing. The accompanying dragonfly has long been a symbol of purity, transience, victory, and good fortune in Japan. This small teacup embodies not splendor, but the preciousness of the quiet passage of the seasons. The maki-e in this piece, rather than a bright, shining gold, uses a soft, subdued gold color. The fine lines of the grass, the overlapping petals, and the lightness of an insect's wings All of these are fully realized in the soft light of the tea room. The deep luster of the black lacquer and the quiet reflection of the gold. This contrast embodies the "beauty of subtraction" in the tea ceremony. In the tranquility of the tea room, this teacup never asserts itself too much. However, the moment one looks closely, flowers and dragonflies gently appear, conveying to guests the feeling of the seasons. It is not a tool to "show," but a tool to "make them aware." It is truly a role that has been cherished in the tea ceremony. ◆About the Artist◆ Shugaku(秀岳) was a Japanese lacquerware artist and maki-e artist active from the Showa period onwards. He was a lacquerware craftsman who particularly focused on maki-e pieces for tea ceremony utensils (such as tea caddies and incense holders). He is known as an artist who created highly artistic works that were intended for practical use in the tea ceremony. Shugaku's maki-e works do not feature a bright, shiny gold, but rather a subdued gold colour and focus on line drawing. This is due to his awareness of the beauty that is achieved in the soft light of the tea room. [Size] Height 6cm Diameter 9cm [Condition] There are no noticeable scratches, but please see the photos for details. A box is also included. Please check the photos before bidding. Any taxes related to international shipping must be borne by the purchaser. Occasionally, customs or the delivery company in your country may contact you for customs clearance via phone or email. Kindly ensure you are available to respond. Failure to do so may result in the parcel being returned to me, incurring additional shipping fees for reshipment. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. I will pack the item securely, but there may be cases where the item is repackaged at customs or damaged upon arrival due to a mistake by the shipping company. If this happens, please contact me immediately. Please promptly send me a photo of the item when it arrives and a photo of the damage to the item. We will provide refunds depending on the situation.