A quiet vessel where deep amber tones and delicate gold decoration create a refined, contemplative presence. Description: This kinrinji-natsume tea caddy is formed in a cylindrical shape with gently sloping shoulders and a fitted lid. The body is finished in a lustrous tamenuri lacquer that shifts between reddish-brown and dark amber tones, creating depth and warmth. The upper section features a broad band of vermilion lacquer decorated with fine horizontal turning marks, while the interior is coated in glossy black lacquer.The body is adorned with gold maki-e decoration depicting abstract grass motifs rendered in flowing, curved lines. The underside of the lid features a cricket depicted in gold maki-e with mother-of-pearl inlay accenting the insect's body. The delicate segmented form and fine linear details demonstrate skilled brushwork in traditional lacquer decoration.The fitted wooden storage box bears the artist's seal in red and the inscription "一星" (Issho) written in black ink on the exterior, confirming the attribution. Cultural & Art Context: The kinrinji-natsume form takes its name from a historical association with Kinrinji temple in Yoshino, where tea caddies were traditionally made from mountain vines. This cylindrical form with its characteristic wide mouth has been adapted by lacquer artists as an elegant vessel for both thick and thin tea powder in the tea ceremony. Insects such as crickets have long been appreciated in Japanese decorative arts for their associations with autumn and the changing seasons. The combination of maki-e and raden techniques demonstrates the layering of traditional lacquer decoration methods. Collector Appeal: Kinrinji-natsume forms are appreciated by tea ceremony practitioners and collectors of Japanese lacquerware for their understated elegance and functional design. The combination of traditional decoration techniques with seasonal motifs offers insight into Japanese aesthetic sensibilities. Dimensions: Diameter: 7.3 cm Height: 7.1 cm Weight: 48 g Condition: No chips, cracks or restorations. Artist Profile: Issho Minowa (箕輪一星) is a Japanese maki-e lacquer artist from Fukui Prefecture who grew up in a family environment centered on lacquer and maki-e craftsmanship. From around 1966, he trained under Masaharu Arai for approximately five years, later studying with Shūhō Takasaki to pursue the path of maki-e professionally. During the Showa 40s era, he received recognition including the Nichigei-ten Prize and the Lacquer Art Association Award, establishing himself as an accomplished young maki-e master.Minowa specializes in tea ceremony utensils such as natsume, kōgō, and jikiro, expressing traditional auspicious and seasonal motifs including pine, plum, bamboo, fans, and night cherry blossoms through meticulous maki-e decoration. His style features clear contrasts in outline and surface using gold and silver powders and colored powders on black or tamenuri lacquer grounds, emphasizing compositional stability and restrained elegance over excessive ornamentation. His works often display contrasting themes between the exterior and interior of lids, creating visual interest for those handling the pieces in tea gatherings. His fine, precise maki-e lines and controlled, even application of gold powder create contemporary works that harmonize with classical aesthetics, earning high regard among tea practitioners and dealers. Additional Notes Please review all photos carefully as they are part of the item description. Shipping Information All items are shipped from Japan via DHL or Japan Post, depending on the destination. Each piece is packed with great care using professional materials suitable for fine art shipping. A tracking number will be provided once the shipment has been dispatched. We cannot under-declare item values or mark shipments as gifts. Import Duties & Taxes Import duties, VAT, and any additional customs or processing fees are not included in the auction price. These charges are the responsibility of the buyer. Please check with your local customs office for details before bidding. Customs Communication Customs or the shipping carrier may contact you for additional information (such as ID verification or payment of duties). Please respond promptly to avoid delays or returns. Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation.