Hanakago maki-e natsume Shōun

An elegant Japanese natsume (chū-natsume) crafted in refined Kaga maki-e style. The deep black urushi forms the backdrop for an exquisite hanakago (flower basket) motif in fine gold maki-e. Softly rendered autumn grasses and autumn flowers (akikusa) evoke a poetic seasonal atmosphere central to the Japanese tea ceremony.

The basket is subtly enhanced with nashiji technique, adding depth and a soft, shimmering texture, while a carefully placed raden inlay (mother-of-pearl) creates a luminous focal point against the rich lacquer surface.

The piece is signed Shōun (松雲) and is accompanied by its original tomobako, the signed wooden storage box that confirms its provenance and the maker's identity.

Kaga maki-e is a highly esteemed Japanese lacquer tradition that has attracted European collectors for centuries. From the 17th to the 18th century, lacquerware from Kaga and Wajima was exported through Dutch, English, and Portuguese trade networks and collected by royal courts and the aristocracy. The striking gold and silver compositions on deep black lacquerware were valued for their technical sophistication and aesthetic finesse.

A harmonious and seasonally appropriate object, suitable for use during the matcha ceremony (chanoyu) or as a display piece within a refined collection of Japanese lacquer art.