{"product_id":"japanse-theebus-yanagi-wilgenmotief-maki-e-shunpo","title":"Japanese Tea Caddy Yanagi 花鳥画 Willow Motif in Maki-e by Shunpō","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"526\" data-start=\"103\"\u003eThis elegant \u003cem data-end=\"125\" data-start=\"116\"\u003enatsume\u003c\/em\u003e is finished in deep black urushi lacquer and finely decorated with a continuous willow motif (柳, \u003cem data-end=\"231\" data-start=\"223\"\u003eyanagi\u003c\/em\u003e) in gold \u003cem data-end=\"249\" data-start=\"241\"\u003emaki-e\u003c\/em\u003e. The long, flowing branches follow the curvature of the object in a natural way, creating a rhythm that subtly connects stillness and movement. The form is classical and well balanced, with a restrained appearance that accords with the traditions of the Japanese tea ceremony.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"541\" data-start=\"528\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Willow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1012\" data-start=\"543\"\u003eWithin Japanese aesthetics, the willow occupies a special place. It symbolizes flexibility, resilience, and impermanence: its branches bend with wind and rain without breaking. These qualities closely align with the values of \u003cem data-end=\"776\" data-start=\"769\"\u003echadō\u003c\/em\u003e, emphasizing attentiveness, adaptability, and inner quiet. For centuries, the willow motif has therefore been used on \u003cem data-end=\"904\" data-start=\"895\"\u003enatsume\u003c\/em\u003e—objects that are not only functional but also contribute to the contemplative atmosphere of the tea moment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1020\" data-start=\"1014\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDew\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1401\" data-start=\"1022\"\u003eBetween the gold-colored willow branches, small, flat metal accents (\u003cem data-end=\"1099\" data-start=\"1091\"\u003ehyōmon\u003c\/em\u003e, 平文) are embedded in the lacquer. These details evoke dew or raindrops resting on the leaves. They catch the light in a subdued manner and add depth to the surface without disturbing the overall calm. The combination of \u003cem data-end=\"1328\" data-start=\"1320\"\u003emaki-e\u003c\/em\u003e and metal highlights the interplay between nature, time, and transience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1424\" data-start=\"1403\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSwallows in Flight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1638\" data-start=\"1426\"\u003eOn the inside of the \u003cem data-end=\"1456\" data-start=\"1447\"\u003enatsume\u003c\/em\u003e lid, two swallows (燕, \u003cem data-end=\"1488\" data-start=\"1479\"\u003etsubame\u003c\/em\u003e) are depicted in gold \u003cem data-end=\"1519\" data-start=\"1511\"\u003emaki-e\u003c\/em\u003e. The birds appear to follow one another in flight, forming a light, almost hidden contrast to the restrained exterior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2039\" data-start=\"1640\"\u003eIn Japanese visual language, swallows symbolize spring, return, and a favorable future. Their placement on the inside is meaningful: the motif reveals itself only when the \u003cem data-end=\"1821\" data-start=\"1812\"\u003enatsume\u003c\/em\u003e is opened, as an intimate discovery visible solely to the person who actually uses the object. Within the tea ceremony, this reinforces the moment of transition—from closed to open, from preparation to mindful action.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2063\" data-start=\"2041\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignature and Maker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2592\" data-start=\"2065\"\u003eThe underside of the \u003cem data-end=\"2095\" data-start=\"2086\"\u003enatsume\u003c\/em\u003e is signed 春峰 (\u003cem data-end=\"2118\" data-start=\"2110\"\u003eShunpō\u003c\/em\u003e) in red lacquer script. This signature corresponds with the attribution on the accompanying wooden box. Little biographical information about the maker Shunpō (春峰) has been preserved. The name appears as an artist’s signature on both the object and the \u003cem data-end=\"2382\" data-start=\"2372\"\u003etomobako\u003c\/em\u003e. The signature, choice of materials, and use of motifs suggest a lacquer artist working within the traditional context of \u003cem data-end=\"2514\" data-start=\"2505\"\u003echadōgu\u003c\/em\u003e, with an emphasis on classical symbolism and refined, understated decoration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2605\" data-start=\"2594\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTomobako\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2997\" data-start=\"2607\"\u003eThe \u003cem data-end=\"2620\" data-start=\"2611\"\u003enatsume\u003c\/em\u003e is accompanied by its original wooden \u003cem data-end=\"2669\" data-start=\"2659\"\u003etomobako\u003c\/em\u003e. On the inside of the box lid is the handwritten inscription 春峰作 (\u003cem data-end=\"2749\" data-start=\"2736\"\u003eShunpō saku\u003c\/em\u003e – “made by Shunpō”), indicating that the maker personally attributed the object. The combination of the signature on the object and the accompanying \u003cem data-end=\"2909\" data-start=\"2899\"\u003etomobako\u003c\/em\u003e forms an important part of the identification and appreciation of Japanese lacquerware.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3446\" data-start=\"2999\"\u003eObject: \u003cem data-end=\"3020\" data-start=\"3011\"\u003eNatsume\u003c\/em\u003e (棗) – matcha tea container\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3446\" data-start=\"2999\"\u003eMaker: Signed 春峰 (\u003cem data-end=\"3080\" data-start=\"3072\"\u003eShunpō\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3446\" data-start=\"2999\"\u003eTechnique: Urushi lacquer with\u0026nbsp;\u003cem data-end=\"3127\" data-start=\"3119\"\u003emaki-e\u003c\/em\u003e and metal accents\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3446\" data-start=\"2999\"\u003eMotifs: Willows (柳蒔絵) and swallows (燕)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3446\" data-start=\"2999\"\u003eColor: Black with gold decoration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3446\" data-start=\"2999\"\u003eSignature: Underside of the\u0026nbsp;\u003cem data-end=\"3274\" data-start=\"3265\"\u003enatsume\u003c\/em\u003e (red lacquer script)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3446\" data-start=\"2999\"\u003eBox: Original\u0026nbsp;\u003cem data-end=\"3326\" data-start=\"3316\"\u003etomobako\u003c\/em\u003e with inscription 春峰作\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3446\" data-start=\"2999\"\u003eOrigin: Japan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3446\" data-start=\"2999\"\u003ePeriod: 20th century (more precise dating unknown)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3446\" data-start=\"2999\"\u003eCondition: Used\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3836\" data-start=\"3448\"\u003eThe interplay of the flowing willow branches on the exterior, the dew-like metal accents, and the swallows on the interior makes this \u003cem data-end=\"3591\" data-start=\"3582\"\u003enatsume\u003c\/em\u003e an object with multiple layers of meaning. Designed for use within the tea ceremony, it also invites attentive observation. It is a \u003cem data-end=\"3733\" data-start=\"3724\"\u003enatsume\u003c\/em\u003e that evokes stillness and reveals itself fully only through the rhythm of opening, using, and closing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Thee van Anke","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53502611358042,"sku":null,"price":95.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/2799\/7530\/files\/DenDauw_1024.jpg?v=1770544933","url":"https:\/\/www.vananke.com\/products\/japanse-theebus-yanagi-wilgenmotief-maki-e-shunpo-en","provider":"vananke","version":"1.0","type":"link"}