A vibrant gold-lacquer natsume 棗 (tea caddy) decorated with seasonal flowers. Of typical form with a flush-fitting lid (inrôbuta), the surface is decorated with a variety of seasonal flowers, including cherry blossoms 桜 (sakura), hydrangeas 紫陽花 (ajisai), iris 菖蒲 (shôbu), and chrysanthemums 菊 (kiku). The blossoms are arranged among slender leafy stems and grasses. The exterior is finished on a lustrous kinji 地 ground, finely decorated in gold and silver hiramaki-e 平蒔絵 (low-relief lacquer) and kirigane 切金 (cut gold foil). The slightly recessed base is lacquered in nashiji 梨子地 (sprinkled gold lacquer) on a black lacquered 蝋色漆 (rôiro’urushi) ground, while the interior is finished in gold fundame 粉溜地 (matt lacquer). Period: Japan – Taishô period (1912-1926) Dimensions: Height 5.9 cm, Diameter 8.6 cm. In very good condition, with minimal traces of wear consistent with age. The lid shows slight movement. Please refer to the photographs for a clear condition reference. Complete with a wooden tomobako 共箱 (storage box). When shipped, a certificate of authenticity will be included.