Natsume black lacquer with interchangeable lid – Vintage

Description

Natsume in black lacquered wood features two interchangeable lids, each with a distinct design and color palette, allowing versatility of presentation. The tea caddy is a simple black lacquered container, smooth and glossy, creating a neutral base for the decorative lids. Black lid: this lid features a traditional Japanese motif of plum blossom branches, rendered in gold and red. The flowers, highlighted with red centers, contrast beautifully with the black background, creating an elegant, refined look. Plum blossoms are often a symbol of resilience and renewal in Japanese culture, making this lid a beautiful expression of nature’s seasonal beauty. Red lid: The second lid is red with a black chrysanthemum motif. Chrysanthemums, an emblem often associated with longevity and rejuvenation in Japanese symbolism, are depicted with stylized petals radiating from the center, creating a striking, formal design. This natsume set combines flexibility and artistry, allowing the user to choose a lid according to occasion or personal preference, adding a touch of sophistication and tradition to the tea ceremony experience. The set comes in a cardboard box with Japanese lettering. It’s difficult to determine the precise age of this wooden tea box, but it probably dates from the second half of the 20th century. This is Japanese craftsmanship. This box was acquired in an antique store in Japan. The natsume (抹茶茶器) is a small vessel essential to the Japanese tea ceremony, mainly used to hold matcha, powdered green tea. As part of the chanoyu ceremony, the natsume allows the tea master to measure out and transfer the matcha to the tea bowl (chawan) before mixing it with hot water. Traditionally made of wood or ceramic, it is often adorned with simple, refined motifs in keeping with the wabi-sabi aesthetic, which favours the beauty of the unguaranted and the natural. Its compact form and delicate texture contribute to the atmosphere of serenity and respect that pervades the ceremony. The natsume, while fulfilling a practical function, also symbolizes humility and precision of gesture in this spiritual and aesthetic experience.

• Unique piece
• Vintage
• Near mint condition, looks unused
• Provenance: Japan – Antiquaire