A vessel where golden branches descend in silence against a polished black ground. Description: This cylindrical tea caddy presents a rounded form in black lacquer, its surface adorned with delicate gold maki-e depicting cascading willow branches. The composition wraps around the body, with slender stems arching gracefully from the shoulder and flowing downward in fine, repetitive strokes that evoke the natural movement of willow leaves in gentle wind. The lid continues the motif, where two clusters of willow branches curve across the top in a balanced, asymmetrical arrangement.The gold decoration shows subtle variation in tone, ranging from bright yellow-gold to deeper amber hues, suggesting careful layering of maki-e powder. Each leaf stroke is rendered individually, creating a rhythmic pattern that fills the upper half of the vessel while the lower portion remains plain, allowing the glossy black lacquer to provide visual weight and stability. The precision of the work is evident in the consistent spacing and alignment of the willow motifs across both the body and lid.The interior reveals smooth black lacquer, while the base shows a recessed foot ring. The piece is accompanied by a fitted wooden box inscribed "Nintokusai konomi utsushi, Orieda yanagi natsume" (Weeping willow tea caddy, copied from Nintokusai's design) with the seal "Kousetsu," and includes a descriptive leaflet explaining the artist's background and approach to lacquer work. Cultural & Art Context: Maki-e, the technique of sprinkling metallic powder onto wet lacquer, has been refined in Japan over centuries as one of the highest achievements in decorative arts. Willow motifs hold particular significance in Japanese aesthetics for their association with flexibility, resilience, and quiet elegance. Tea caddies of this form, known as natsume, have been essential implements in tea ceremony since the late medieval period, where the balance between function and aesthetic contemplation remains central to the practice. Collector Appeal: Works in this tradition appeal to collectors interested in the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and tea culture. Pieces bearing the inscription "konomi utsushi" (copied from a favored design) reflect the continuity of aesthetic lineages within Japanese decorative arts, where masters and patrons collaborate across generations. Dimensions: Height: 7 cm Diameter: 6 cm Weight: 44 g Condition: No chips, cracks or restorations. Artist Profile: Kousetsu Nakabayashi was born in Fukui Prefecture and is a lacquer artist and nurishi (lacquerware craftsman) working in the Echizen lacquer tradition, known primarily for producing tea caddies (natsume) used in the tea ceremony. He has created many natsume decorated in designs favored by Urasenke grand masters Sokuchusai and Hounsai, and his known works range widely from faithful interpretations of classical models to more modern arrangements, including pieces. All of his works are characterized by solid, durable lacquerwork suitable for practical use in chanoyu and by composed, restrained designs, making them well-regarded as easy-to-handle, functional utensils in the contemporary tearoom. ​ 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.