【Item Description】 A finely crafted Japanese natsume (tea caddy for powdered matcha), decorated in maki-e gold lacquer over a deep black roiro ground. The design depicts akikusa — the flowering grasses and plants of autumn — rendered in gold hiramaki-e and takamaki-e, with delicate sprays of foliage, feathery susuki (Japanese pampas grass), and clusters of small red berries scattered across the lid and body in a balanced, naturalistic composition. Scattered silver granules are applied across the surface to suggest morning dew settling upon the autumn grasses, lending the piece a quiet, atmospheric elegance. A further refinement is hidden on the underside of the lid, where slender blades of susuki and autumn grasses are evoked through flowing, interlacing lines of gold lacquer, accented with the same silver granules to suggest scattered dewdrops. This more abstract, linear treatment — revealed only when the caddy is opened — echoes the autumn grasses of the exterior and rewards its owner with an intimate, poetic detail. The susuki grass depicted on this natsume is among the most beloved symbols of autumn in Japan. One of the "seven grasses of autumn" and celebrated in poetry since the ancient Man'yōshū anthology, its silvery, wind-swept plumes evoke both the fleeting beauty and the gentle melancholy of the season — the very essence of the Japanese aesthetic sensibility of mono no aware. Traditionally displayed in place of rice ears at the autumn moon-viewing (tsukimi), susuki also carries connotations of a bountiful harvest, and was believed to serve as a vessel for the divine and as a charm to ward off misfortune and illness. Its presence here lends the design layers of auspicious and poetic meaning. Although the piece is unsigned, the refinement of the composition, the assured handling of the gold lacquer, and the delicate detailing make it clear that it is the work of a skilled and experienced maki-e artisan. It comes with a wooden storage box fitted with a sliding lid. Its refined autumnal theme and accomplished craftsmanship make it a charming example of Japanese lacquer ware, well suited to the tea ceremony or for display. 【Size】 Height: 5.5 cm Width: 8 cm 【Weight】 160 g 【Condition】 In very good condition with no chips or losses. The lacquer surface and gold maki-e decoration, both inside and out, remain well preserved, showing only the natural patina consistent with age. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shipping & Important Notice [Shipping] The lot will be carefully packaged and shipped from Japan with tracking via Japan Post, DHL, or FedEx, depending on the situation. It normally takes about 3 weeks for delivery. [Customs and Duties] Import duties, taxes, and VAT are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility and vary by country. [Important: Delivery Contact] Sometimes Customs or the delivery company in your country will contact you via phone or email for clearance. Please ensure you can answer their call. If the parcel is returned due to a lack of contact, the buyer will be responsible for the additional return and reshipping costs (which can be double the original fee). I appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Bid with confidence!