Yamanaka lacquer Natsume tea caddy – Hanaikada (flower raft) design – maki-e & nashi-ji – signed Sōkō

The natsume is a luxurious small tea caddy traditionally used to present matcha in the tea ceremony (茶の湯) in Japan.

📐 Characteristics

Origin: Japan – Yamanaka-nuri tradition, discovered in Hiroshima Prefecture
Estimated Period: Shōwa/Heisei Era 1980-2000
Material: Finely turned wood, genuine black urushi lacquer and gold powders
Techniques: Maki-e 蒔絵 and nashi-ji 梨地
Motif: Hanaikada 花筏, flower raft on flowing water
Dimensions/Weight: Approx. Ø 7 cm × H 7.5 cm, 48 g
Artisan: Signed Sōkō-zō 宗廣造, probably Michiba Sōkō 道場宗廣 or affiliated workshop
Box: Original Tomobako signed 共箱 「花筏絵　中棗　宗廣造」
Condition: Excellent vintage condition, no notable defects, no scratches, no chips. Lacquer's brilliance very well preserved.

Description

This chū-natsume (medium-sized natsume) is an elegant piece, emblematic of Japanese lacquerware's refinement.
Its soft and luminous silhouette highlights the deep sheen of the black urushi lacquer.

The Hanaikada 花筏 motif, literally "flower raft," evokes petals gathered on the water, as if carried away by the current.
Sakura flowers, momiji leaves, and gold create a seasonal, vibrant, and contemplative decor.

The techniques used by the artisan are maki-e 蒔絵, which consists of drawing in lacquer with fine gold powders, and nashi-ji 梨地, a delicate shimmering effect created with gold flakes, known as "pear skin."

The ensemble plays on a fluid composition where water lines, floating flowers, and foliage naturally accompany the round shape.

This natsume bears the signature 宗廣造 / Sōkō-zō, "made by Sōkō," with the seal 宗廣 / Sōkō. The most probable attribution points to 道場宗廣 / Michiba Sōkō, a master lacquerer associated with Yamanaka-nuri or an artisan affiliated with his workshop. The presence of the original tomobako, the signature, and the 花筏 / hanaikada motif attest to an authentic piece, crafted for the demanding world of the tea ceremony, chanoyu.

🧽 Care instructions

Clean gently by hand, without detergent or abrasive
Dry immediately with a soft cloth
Avoid prolonged immersion and direct heat
Store in a dry place, away from light

🦝 Our opinion

We love this natsume with its poetic hanaikada motif, its sakura, its golden momiji, and its beautiful nashi-ji effect. A true work of art in traditional Yamanaka lacquer!

Other unique items await you in the Japanese Art Objects collection.

or discover the entire world of tea in our “Tableware” collection.