{"product_id":"japanse-theebus-itsuko-zan-horaizan-motief-nakamura-soetsu","title":"Japanese Tea Caddy Itsukō-zan 逸香山 Hōraizan-motief with gold Nakamura Sōetsu","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"90\" data-end=\"520\"\u003eThis refined natsume is finished in traditional urushi lacquer and richly decorated with maki-e, in which gold leaf has been applied with great care and precision. The object bears the poetic name \u003cem data-start=\"287\" data-end=\"299\"\u003eItsukō-zan\u003c\/em\u003e 逸香山, freely translated as “Mountain of Refined Fragrance.” This name does not refer to a specific place, but rather to an idealized landscape within Japanese aesthetics—a world of calm, continuity, and mindful attention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"522\" data-end=\"535\"\u003eSymbology\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"537\" data-end=\"837\"\u003eThe decoration represents a \u003cem data-start=\"565\" data-end=\"575\"\u003eHōraizan\u003c\/em\u003e theme. In Japanese art, Hōraizan 蓬莱山—the mythical mountain symbolizing harmony and longevity—is rarely depicted literally. Instead, the concept is evoked through a traditional combination of landscape elements, all of which are brought together on this natsume.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"839\" data-end=\"932\"\u003eAround the object unfolds a layered landscape in which each element carries symbolic meaning:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"936\" data-end=\"1062\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"936\" data-end=\"948\"\u003eThe tree\u003c\/strong\u003e, firmly rooted and rendered with finely detailed gold leaves, represents continuity, growth, and steadfastness.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"936\" data-end=\"1062\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1065\" data-end=\"1079\"\u003eThe cranes\u003c\/strong\u003e, shown in motion, symbolize dignity, good fortune, and long life.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1150\" data-end=\"1250\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1150\" data-end=\"1164\"\u003eThe turtle\u003c\/strong\u003e, discreetly placed on the underside, stands for endurance, protection, and longevity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1252\" data-end=\"1429\"\u003eTogether, these motifs form a harmonious, timeless landscape—not as a narrative scene, but as a contemplative image that aligns naturally with the stillness of the tea ceremony.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1431\" data-end=\"1442\"\u003eNashiji\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1444\" data-end=\"1890\"\u003eGold leaf plays a central role in the visual presence of this object. Finely scattered gold (\u003cem data-start=\"1537\" data-end=\"1546\"\u003enashiji\u003c\/em\u003e) lends depth to the ground, while carefully cut gold-leaf forms accentuate the mountain, tree, and details. Through this layered construction, the surface responds subtly to light and movement—at times warm and subdued, at others bright and vivid. This interplay of light is characteristic of high-quality maki-e and invites attentive viewing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1892\" data-end=\"1910\"\u003eObject details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1912\" data-end=\"2351\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1912\" data-end=\"1922\"\u003eTitle:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"1923\" data-end=\"1935\"\u003eItsukō-zan\u003c\/em\u003e 逸香山\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1912\" data-end=\"2351\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1942\" data-end=\"1953\"\u003eArtist:\u003c\/strong\u003e Nakamura Sōetsu (中村宗悦)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1912\" data-end=\"2351\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1979\" data-end=\"1989\"\u003eMotif:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"1990\" data-end=\"2000\"\u003eHōraizan\u003c\/em\u003e 蓬莱山\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1912\" data-end=\"2351\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2007\" data-end=\"2016\"\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"2017\" data-end=\"2030\"\u003echū-natsume\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1912\" data-end=\"2351\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2033\" data-end=\"2046\"\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wood, urushi lacquer, maki-e with gold leaf\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1912\" data-end=\"2351\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2093\" data-end=\"2106\"\u003eDiameter:\u003c\/strong\u003e approx. 6.8 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1912\" data-end=\"2351\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2124\" data-end=\"2135\"\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e approx. 7 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1912\" data-end=\"2351\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2151\" data-end=\"2165\"\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent condition, suitable for both use and collection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1912\" data-end=\"2351\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2226\" data-end=\"2242\"\u003eAccessories:\u003c\/strong\u003e Original tomobako with hanko seal and calligraphy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1912\" data-end=\"2351\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2295\" data-end=\"2322\"\u003eAdditional accessories:\u003c\/strong\u003e Original \u003cem data-start=\"2332\" data-end=\"2340\"\u003efukusa\u003c\/em\u003e cloth (共布)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2353\" data-end=\"2377\"\u003eSignature and artist\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2379\" data-end=\"3064\"\u003eNakamura Sōetsu (born 1932) is a Japanese master of traditional lacquerware (\u003cem data-start=\"2456\" data-end=\"2464\"\u003eurushi\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem data-start=\"2466\" data-end=\"2474\"\u003emaki-e\u003c\/em\u003e). He learned the craft at a young age from his father and later specialized in creating utensils for the Japanese tea ceremony, including natsume (tea caddies), chabako, and other \u003cem data-start=\"2655\" data-end=\"2664\"\u003echadōgu\u003c\/em\u003e. His work is renowned for its elegant, nature-inspired designs—featuring birds, flowers, and plants—and for the refined use of techniques such as gold maki-e and mother-of-pearl inlay. He has received multiple national honors in Japan, and his work is collected internationally. In 1987, he was also granted an official tea-ceremony name, confirming his esteemed status within the world of tea arts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3066\" data-end=\"3079\"\u003eAs a gift\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3081\" data-end=\"3548\"\u003eThis natsume is an ideal gift for significant milestones such as anniversaries, long-standing collaborations, retirement, marriage, or other important life transitions. Through its subtle symbolism of continuity, harmony, and prosperity, the object conveys appreciation, dedication, and shared commitment. At the same time, it invites reflection and mindfulness toward what lies ahead, making it not only a refined work of art but also a meaningful and enduring gift.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Thee van Anke","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53538757837146,"sku":null,"price":295.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/2799\/7530\/files\/Boom1.jpg?v=1772225571","url":"https:\/\/www.vananke.com\/products\/japanse-tea-caddy-itsuko-zan-horaizan-motif-nakamura-soetsu-en","provider":"vananke","version":"1.0","type":"link"}