Large Natsume, "Reeds and Heron" Maki-e, by Yamashita Hōsai II — Box Inscribed by Grand Master Hōunsai

A large natsume with reeds and a heron in maki-e and a nashiji interior, by lacquer master Yamashita Hōsai II — its box inscribed and signed with the kakihan of Hōunsai, 15th Grand Master of the Urasenke school of tea. Pre-owned, near mint. One piece.

In Japanese tea culture, a grand master's inscription (hakogaki) on a utensil's box is the highest endorsement a piece can carry: it records that the head of the school examined the work, approved it and often gave it a poetic name. Pieces with Hōunsai's inscription are sought after by serious practitioners worldwide. The natsume itself is by Yamashita Hōsai II (b. 1944), a lacquer artist known for refined tea-ceremony maki-e: a heron among autumn reeds in gold, the interior finished in nashiji, the base signed in gold.

Details

• Artist: Yamashita Hōsai II (二代 山下甫斎), lacquer master
• Box inscription: Hōunsai, 15th Grand Master of Urasenke (鵬雲斎宗匠 御書付), with kakihan signature mark
• Form: 大棗 large natsume · ø 7.3 cm × H 7.3 cm (2.9 × 2.9 in)
• Decoration: 芦に鷺蒔絵 reeds and heron maki-e · interior nashiji
• Includes inscribed wooden box, outer lacquered box, silk pouch (shifuku) and artist's documentation
• Condition: pre-owned, near mint — no damage reported, minimal signs of use

Watch: another Yamashita Hōsai natsume

A pine maki-e large natsume by the same artist, filmed by MemorysGallery — to show his gold work and finish in motion. Not this piece.

Please read before ordering

• One of a kind. We confirm the piece is still available with the dealer within one business day of your order; if it has sold we refund in full immediately.
• Urushi lacquer is durable but dislikes direct sun and very dry air; care notes are included.
• Ships from New Jersey in 2–3 weeks. Price includes all import duties. Fully insured, signature required.