Natsume - 古董茶盒 - 梨地轮纹设计与珍珠母镶嵌，附丝绸袋并有署名

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【Product details】

This refined natsume (tea caddy), used in the Japanese tea ceremony for storing matcha, is a work by the lacquer artist Hagino Sozan (Sakasho), active during the Meiji period (circa 1880–1910). His real name was Hagino Shobee.

Hagino Sozan (1846–1929), commonly known as Sakasho, was born into the Edo Kyobashi tea utensil merchant family Sakaiya Shohei. He received the artist name “Sozan” from the calligrapher Ichikawa Beian and became known for his exceptional skill in recreating classical lacquer works. He specialised in refined reproductions inspired by earlier masters such as Hon’ami Koetsu and Ogata Korin, as well as traditional inro designs. His works were highly regarded by the prominent tea master and collector Masuda Don’o.

The exterior is finished in rich nashiji lacquer, densely sprinkled with fine gold powder, creating a soft luminous surface. It is decorated with the kataguruma (partially submerged wheel) motif in raden (mother-of-pearl inlay), producing subtle iridescent reflections. The interior and base are also finished in nashiji, with a mitsudomoe (triple comma crest) design in maki-e.

The kataguruma motif, originating from classical Heian literature, evokes elegance and the poetic passage of time, while the shimmering raden suggests flowing water. The mitsudomoe symbol represents harmony and continuity.

The original wooden storage box is included and bears the artist’s signature and seal. A silk pouch (shifuku) is also included.

It is in antique condition with signs of age and use. There is surface wear and slight discolouration, areas of lifting and minor losses to the raden inlay, as well as fine cracks and small chips to the lacquer. Please refer to the photos for details and overall condition.

Dimensions of Box: approx. H 5.7 cm W 8.5 cm D 8.5 cm

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Thank you for your interest, and happy bidding!