Red lacquer natsume – Paulownia & chrysanthemum duo

The natsume (棗) is a traditional tea caddy used to present matcha (powdered green tea) during the tea ceremony (Chanoyu 茶の湯). This model stands out for its vibrant red luster and highly symbolic iconography.

📐 Characteristics

• Origin: Japan, discovered in Yamaguchi prefecture.
• Estimated era: Mid to late Shōwa era (c. 1960-1990).
• Material: Turned wood (very light), natural lacquer (Urushi) finish, red on the outside and glossy black on the inside.
• Decoration technique: Kindai Maki-e: (modern maki-e). Mixed technique combining the precision of silk screen tracing with traditional sprinkling of raised metallic powders (gold and silver). The leaf veins show a slight relief, a sign of careful finishing.
• Dimensions: Ø ~6.5 cm; H (with lid) ~6.5 cm. Classic Rikyū-gata shape.
• Weight: 59 g.
• Condition: Very good vintage condition. Very glossy lacquer, small scratch on the golden chrysanthemum (see photo). The fit between the body and the lid is very precise.

 Description

This natsume embodies prestige and refinement. Its red lacquer coat (Shu-nuri) serves as a setting for a decoration combining two major emblems of Japanese culture:

• The Paulownia (桐 Kiri): A symbol of nobility and government, it is represented here with silver and gold reflections. Its stylized leaves evoke benevolent power and rebirth.
• The Chrysanthemum (菊 Kiku): The seal of the imperial family, it symbolizes longevity and perfection. Painted with a satin-finish gold powder, it brings a discreet light to the whole.

The technical work of kindai maki-e is particularly interesting: using a silk screen to apply a base of gold, silver, or "loaded" lacquer with micro-gold powders (giving this subtle brown/bronze background from certain angles), enhanced with raised details that catch the light. The black lacquer interior offers a striking contrast when the lid is removed to place the green tea inside.

Here, no industrial printing: the relief of the veins is palpable under the finger, confirming a Kindai Maki-e work made with real metallic powder.

🧽 Care instructions

• Clean with lukewarm water without aggressive detergent.
• Use only a very soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge (lacquer hates scratches).
• Wipe immediately to avoid limescale marks.
• Storage: Avoid overly dry places or direct exposure to sunlight (which can yellow the red lacquer).

🦝 We like

We love this natsume for its deep and luminous red, which beautifully catches the light without excess. We adore its kiri (桐) and kiku (菊) motifs and its gold, silver, and nashiji (gold flecks) colors! A beautiful piece of accessible Japanese craftsmanship in kindai maki-e, perfect for adding a touch of cha no yu to a collection or interior.

👉 Find this piece alongside other treasures in our Japanese Decoration & Art Objects collection.

or Discover the whole world of tea in our “Tableware” collection.