Japanese Tea Caddy Asagao 朝顔 (morning glory) with raden Nakamura Kosai

This refined natsume is executed in warm, honey-colored urushi lacquer and decorated with an asagao (朝顔, morning glory) motif in delicate maki-e technique. The object exudes tranquility and understated elegance, qualities that are essential within the Japanese tea ceremony.

Motif

Central to the design is the asagao, recognizable by its star-shaped flower and slender leaves. The flower is rendered in raden (螺鈿), finely inlaid mother-of-pearl, which subtly illuminates in soft blue and green hues, depending on the light. The tendrils and leaves are applied in maki-e with carefully dosed gold powder. The gold is lightly and delicately applied: not solid, but as a whispering line that follows the natural movement of the plant. This restrained application gives the decor lightness and refinement.

Symbolism

The asagao is a flower that blooms only briefly and is traditionally associated with transience, morning peace, and attention to the moment. In this natsume, that feeling is tangibly present: the object invites slowing down and conscious action, both in use and in observation. Within the tea ceremony, this motif refers to the understanding that every gathering is unique and cannot be repeated, the core value of chadō.

Object details

• Title: Asagao 朝顔
• Maker: Nakamura Kosai (中村光彩)
• Motif: Morning glory
• Type: chū-natsume
• Material: wood, urushi, raden, maki-e
• Diameter: ≈ 6.8 cm
• Height: ≈ 7 cm
• Condition: Excellent condition, suitable for both use and collection
• 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 handwritten inscription and seal. The mention of the maker and the decor confirm the origin and authenticity of the object. The accompanying cloth and careful packaging underscore the care with which this piece has been preserved.

Signature and maker

Nakamura Kosai (中村光彩) is a maki-e artist from Yamanaka, Ishikawa, born in 1955. He was trained within the Yamanaka lacquerware tradition and worked for many years under an established master before starting his own studio.

Kosai is known for his refined and consistent style, with a preference for nature and seasonal motifs. His work is characterized by restrained use of color and subtle application of gold, balancing technical perfection and poetic tranquility.

As a gift

Due to the asagao motif and its gentle appearance, this natsume is particularly suitable as a gift for:

• a transition to a quieter phase of life, where attention and reflection become central
• For an engagement or marriage proposal, as a symbol of a promise made with care and attention