Plum and Bamboo Fan‑Pattern Maki‑e - Natsume - 木

plum and Bamboo Fan-pattern Maki-e Natsume

Artist: Maehata Shunsai II (Second Generation Master)
Dimensions: H approx. 7.0 cm (2.76 in) × Max. Diam. approx. 6.8 cm (2.68 in)
Wooden Box Dimensions: H approx. 10 cm (3.94 in) × W approx. 8.8 cm (3.46 in)
Weight: Natsume approx. 45 g; with box approx. 135 g
Material: Wooden core, Genuine Urushi Lacquer (大漆)
Period: Showa Period, Japan (c. 1960–1980)

This Japanese lacquer natsume (tea caddy) for the tea ceremony was crafted by the second‑generation master craftsman Maeda Shunsai. It retains its original paulownia wood tomobako (storage box) and protective cloth bag.

The natsume is built on a solid wood core, finished with multiple layers of rich, deep black natural lacquer, and decorated with exceptionally fine gold maki‑e — the traditional Japanese technique of sprinkling gold powder onto wet lacquer.

The entire piece is decorated in the classic makishikishi (rolled fan‑paper) pattern. The lid features a fan panel with plum blossoms, an auspicious Japanese motif, set against a gold foil ground, with a red grid‑patterned fan border and delicate gilt grass stems.

The body is decorated with a matching fan panel painted with green bamboo, a symbol of integrity and moral virtue. It echoes the plum blossoms on the lid, embodying the refined scholarly theme of “plum and bamboo, the two pure ones”. The fan border is similarly finished with a red grid pattern, lending a balanced and elegant overall composition.

The original paulownia tomobako bears handwritten ink inscriptions:
Right: Makishikishi Maki-e Natsume (卷色纸莳绘 枣), indicating the technique and shape;
Left: Shunsai (春斎), the artist’s name, with a square seal below.

The storage cloth is beige cotton-linen, a traditional fukusa used to wrap tea utensils, serving both protective and ceremonial purposes.

Due to its age, the wooden box shows minor natural ageing and light signs of use but remains fully intact. The tea caddy itself displays slight signs of age appropriate use and is in overall good condition.

- The picture is part of the description. The color of the item may be slightly different from the picture (due to camera and screen settings).
- The successful bidder will be responsible for any customs duties and taxes (if applicable).
- This item will be mailed by the postal service of Hong Kong in the form of airmail with insurance attached.