Wajima Lacquerware – Medium Tea Caddy (Cyu-natsume) by Wazen – Musical Instruments Design, Maki-e with Raden (Mother-of-Pearl Inlay), Wooden, Urushi Lacquer Finish
Introducing a wooden Naka-natsume (medium tea caddy) crafted by Kurokawa Wazen, a master of Wajima lacquerware.
The Cyu-natsume is a tea container used for holding usucha (thin tea). Its name comes from its resemblance to the fruit of the jujube tree (natsume in Japanese).
It is smaller in size than the O-natsume (large tea caddy), hence the name Cyu-natsume (“medium natsume”).
On a base of deep black shin-nuri (mirror-gloss lacquer), the lid is adorned with a tsuzumi (hand drum), while the body features a shō (a traditional court instrument used in gagaku music) and a flute, all depicted in colored lacquer and gold.
The result is a richly colored and elegant design with a luxurious atmosphere.
Each instrument is partially inlaid with aogai (blue-green mother-of-pearl), which sparkles beautifully when it catches the light, enhancing the overall brilliance of the piece.
The design is meticulously detailed and finely executed, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and painstaking artistry.
This tea caddy is particularly well suited for festivals, Shinto ceremonies, New Year celebrations, and other auspicious occasions.
Diameter: 6.5 cm
Height: 7 cm
Material: Wood
Finish: Urushi lacquer with maki-e and raden inlay
