Item Description 北村葵春 Kitamura Gishun A charming Japanese lacquer natsume (棗), the lidded tea caddy used in the chanoyu tea ceremony to hold powdered matcha. The piece is finished in a vivid vermillion (shu-nuri) lacquer and decorated in gold hiramaki-e with a "Tagasode" (誰が袖, "whose sleeves?") design — a classical motif in which a stylised kimono sleeve or hanging garment, patterned with cherry blossoms on a gold-flecked red ground, evokes the presence of an absent person through their fragrant robes. Below the sleeve motif, a golden meandering band depicts a stream bordered by autumn grasses — bush clover (hagi) and pampas grass (susuki) — rendered in fine gold and silver takamaki-e detail against a rich brown-red ground, giving the piece a lovely interplay of spring and autumn imagery. The interior of the lid and body are finished in glossy black lacquer. The underside of the lid bears the artist's signature "葵春" together with an impressed seal. The piece is by Kitamura Gishun, a Kyoto-based lacquer master (nushi) specialising in tea-ceremony wares such as natsume and kōgō incense containers. It is accompanied by its original signed tomobako (kiribako storage box), inscribed "誰が袖蒔絵　朱大棗" ("Tagasode maki-e, vermillion large natsume") with the artist's signature and seal on the lid interior — confirming authenticity and giving useful provenance for the piece. ・Aesthetic Appeal & Auspicious Red: The rich vermillion (shu-nuri) lacquer finish imparts a stunning, glossy sheen that highlights the charming, rounded form of this natsume. In Japanese tradition, vibrant red is celebrated not only for its captivating visual warmth and elegance, but also as an auspicious color symbolizing vitality, protection, and good fortune—making this piece both a delightful visual accent and a deeply meaningful addition to any collection. Size Height: 7 cm Width: 7 cm Depth: 7 cm Weight 61 g / 0.061 kg Condition The natsume is in very good used condition, with vivid, glossy lacquer and crisp gold maki-e decoration; no chips or losses are visible in the photographs. It is offered complete with its original signed tomobako. Artist Profile Kitamura Gishun (北村葵春) is a Kyoto-based lacquer craftsman (nushi) and lacquer artist (shitsugeika). He specialises in tea-ceremony utensils, most notably natsume (tea caddies) and kōgō (incense containers), working in traditional maki-e techniques. NOITICE: The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend 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 Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. ・Payment Policy: Please refrain from bidding if you do not intend to complete the payment promptly after winning the auction. Thank you for your cooperation. I appreciate your cooperation.