Japanese tea caddy Shuchiku maki-e 朱竹蒔絵 Yōhō

A refined Japanese natsume crafted in traditional urushi lacquer with an elegant bamboo motif in warm gold and copper powders. Subtle raden inlay (mother-of-pearl) gently accentuates the decoration. This matcha tea caddy perfectly combines refined craftsmanship with timeless aesthetics, ideal for the tea ceremony and as a showpiece in your collection.

Motif

What sets this natsume apart is the exquisite raden inlay in the stems. Small pieces of mother-of-pearl are subtly inlaid, catching the light in soft blue, green, and violet tones, bringing liveliness to the piece without disrupting the tranquility of the composition.

Symbology

Bamboo holds deep symbolic meaning within Japanese culture. It represents resilience, bending without breaking, and steadfastness: always straight, always elegant. At the same time, it embodies life energy, growing in harmony with nature and the seasons.

Object details

• Title: Shuchiku 朱竹蒔絵
• Maker: Murayama Yōhō (村山洋鳳)
• Motif: Chiku
• Type: chū-natsume
• Material: wood, urushi, raden, maki-e
• Diameter: ≈ 6.8 cm
• Height: ≈ 7 cm
• Condition: Good condition
• Accessories: Original tomobako with hanko, calligraphy.
• Accessories: Original fukusa / cloth (共布)

Tomobako and authenticity

The natsume comes with an original tomobako (wooden storage box) with a handwritten inscription and seal. The mention of the maker and the decoration confirms the origin and authenticity of the object. The accompanying cloth and carefully packaged presentation underscore the care with which this piece has been preserved.

Signature and maker

Murayama Yōhō (村山洋鳳) worked in the 20th century, and his signature is not common on authentic tea ceremony objects. He belongs to the tradition of local artisanal maki-e makers within Japanese lacquerware culture, artists who combine craftsmanship and aesthetics in objects that are both functional and artistic.