– Wajima-nuri (輪島塗) natsume tea caddy – from one of Japan's most celebrated lacquer-producing traditions – Decoration of wakamatsu (young pine) in densely worked gold maki-e against a deep, lustrous black urushi ground – An auspicious New Year and early-spring tea piece, with the rich gold-on-black palette favoured for celebratory occasions Summary: A Japanese natsume tea caddy in the Wajima-nuri lacquer tradition, decorated with wakamatsu (young pine) in densely worked gold maki-e against a deep, lustrous black urushi ground. Wajima-nuri is among the most prestigious of Japan's regional lacquer traditions, recognised today as a designated traditional craft and admired for the depth and durability of its surface. The wakamatsu motif – with its associations of New Year, longevity, and renewal – makes this a particularly auspicious piece, well suited to celebratory tea gatherings. A serious example for European collectors of Japanese urushi and chanoyu culture. Wajima-nuri is produced in the town of Wajima on the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, where lacquerware has been made for at least four hundred years. The Wajima tradition is distinguished by an exceptionally rigorous building-up process, involving more than a hundred separate steps – including a unique base-layer treatment using locally sourced jinoko (powdered diatomaceous earth) that gives Wajima pieces their characteristic durability and depth. Wajima-nuri holds official designation among Japan's protected traditional crafts and is among the most internationally recognised regional lacquer traditions. The wakamatsu motif – "young pine" – is one of the most beloved seasonal subjects in Japanese decorative art. Where the mature pine carries weight, gravity, and the authority of years, the young pine suggests new beginnings, fresh energy, and the renewal of hope. It is the central New Year decorative motif, appearing in kadomatsu (gate-decoration pine arrangements), on first-tea-of-the-year ceramics, and in the seasonal maki-e of tea-ceremony utensils. A wakamatsu natsume is the natural choice for the hatsugama (first tea of the new year) and for celebratory tea gatherings throughout the early-spring weeks. The maki-e here is dense and confident. Young pine fronds spread across the body of the natsume in layered gold, with darker shadow lines and softer powdered fields giving the composition real tonal depth. The black urushi ground – built up to the deep, mirror-like quality that is the Wajima signature – sets off every gold detail with quiet drama. The form is the classical Rikyū-natsume silhouette, sized comfortably for the hand and proportioned for chanoyu use. The fit between body and lid is precise and quiet, as Wajima craftsmanship requires. In a European interior the piece works equally as a working tea utensil and as a small, contemplative object on a desk, a shelf, or among other Japanese works of art. Its auspicious motif also makes it a thoughtful gift for milestone occasions – a wedding, a milestone birthday, the New Year. Condition appears good overall, consistent with a piece of this character. Careful review is encouraged. A serious, auspicious piece of Wajima lacquerware in one of Japan's most celebrated regional traditions. Shipping & Handling We ship worldwide via DHL or EMS with full insurance and tracking. Professional packing ensures safe arrival; combined shipping available for multiple wins. Local customs duties are the buyer's responsibility. Seller Guarantee We specialise in authentic Japanese lacquerware and guarantee this piece's authenticity. Questions welcome – we reply within 24 hours. 1611