Large Natsume Tea Caddy, "Snow, Moon and Flowers" Maki-e, by Ippōsai — Kyoto

A large natsume (tea caddy for powdered matcha) decorated with setsugekka — snow, moon and flowers — in Kyoto maki-e, with a nashiji pear-skin gold interior. By the Kyoto lacquer artist Ippōsai. New, in its signed paulownia box.

Ippōsai (Ippō Eizō, b. 1942) was born into a family of hereditary maki-e artists and trained under his father, the 6th-generation Ippōsai. He has devoted his career to tea utensils, above all the natsume, and is a member of the Kyoto Maki-e Craft Association. Setsugekka gathers the three seasonal beauties of classical Japanese poetry on a single vessel, so the caddy belongs at any time of year. The inside is finished in nashiji, fine gold flakes suspended in translucent lacquer — a detail a tea guest sees only when the lid is lifted.

Details

• Artist: Ippōsai (一瓢斎), Kyoto
• Form: 大棗 large natsume · ø 7.5 cm × H 7.5 cm (3 × 3 in)
• Decoration: 雪月花蒔絵 snow, moon and flowers maki-e · interior 内梨地 nashiji
• Lacquered wood · Signed paulownia box (tomobako) with wrapping cloth and artist's notes
• Condition: new

Watch: another Ippōsai natsume

A different large natsume by the same artist (paulownia and bamboo-grass maki-e, nashiji interior), filmed by MemorysGallery — to show his finish and proportions in motion. Not this piece.

Please read before ordering

• Sourced from a specialist tea-utensil dealer in Japan. If the piece is not in stock it is supplied from the artist's studio, adding about two weeks. We confirm the date within one business day of your order.
• Urushi lacquer is durable but dislikes direct sun and very dry air; care notes are included.
• Ships from New Jersey in 2–4 weeks. Price includes all import duties. Fully insured.