{"product_id":"japanse-theebus-asagao-met-raden-nakamura-kosai","title":"Japanese Tea Caddy Asagao 朝顔 (morning glory) with raden Nakamura Kosai","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMotif\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCentral 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. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eSymbolism\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWithin the tea ceremony, this motif refers to the understanding that every gathering is unique and cannot be repeated, the core value of chadō.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2756\" data-end=\"3169\"\u003eObject details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli dir=\"auto\"\u003eTitle: Asagao 朝顔\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaker: Nakamura Kosai (中村光彩) \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMotif: Morning glory\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eType: chū-natsume\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaterial: wood, urushi, raden, maki-e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiameter: ≈ 6.8 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHeight: ≈ 7 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition: Excellent condition, suitable for both use and collection\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAccessories: Original tomobako with hanko, calligraphy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAccessories: Original fukusa \/ cloth (共布)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTomobako and authenticity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2188\" data-end=\"2210\"\u003eSignature and maker\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNakamura 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKosai 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAs a gift\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDue to the asagao motif and its gentle appearance, this natsume is particularly suitable as a gift for:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ea transition to a quieter phase of life, where attention and reflection become central\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFor an engagement or marriage proposal, as a symbol of a promise made with care and attention\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Thee van Anke","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53547935072602,"sku":null,"price":305.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/2799\/7530\/files\/Asagao.jpg?v=1771701523","url":"https:\/\/www.vananke.com\/products\/japanse-theebus-asagao-met-raden-nakamura-kosai-en","provider":"vananke","version":"1.0","type":"link"}