{"product_id":"matcha-natsume-shochikubai-sakata-minetoshi-maki-e","title":"Matcha natsume with Shochikubai motif 松竹梅 Sakata Minetosh","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003cspan\u003eThis refined\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ematcha chu-natsume\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan\u003eis crafted by\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSakata Minetoshi\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan\u003eand richly decorated with a traditional\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShochikubai (松竹梅) motif\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan\u003eusing the classic\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003emaki-e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cspan\u003elacquer technique. Shochikubai (pine, bamboo, and plum blossom) is a beloved symbolic theme in Japanese aesthetics and represents steadfastness, resilience, and new beginnings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe natsume's surface is finished with deep black\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eurushi lacquer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan\u003e, to which the motif is subtly applied with gold-colored maki-e powder. The combination of luster, refined lines, and natural symbolism creates a harmonious whole that exudes both tranquility and elegance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cspan\u003eThis natsume fits comfortably in the hand and is ideal for use during the\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJapanese tea ceremony (chadō)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan\u003e. At the same time, it is a special object for collectors and enthusiasts of Japanese lacquerware, which also comes into its own as a decorative art object outside the tea room.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli dir=\"auto\"\u003e Title: Shochikubai 松竹梅\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli dir=\"auto\"\u003eMaker \u003cspan\u003e: Sakata Minetoshi\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli dir=\"auto\"\u003e Period\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eLate Showa to early Heisei (ca. 1980–2000)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli dir=\"auto\"\u003e Technology\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eUrushi lacquer, Maki-e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli dir=\"auto\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003eChu-natsume\u003c\/span\u003e size\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli dir=\"auto\"\u003e Dimensions\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eapprox. Ø 6.5 cm × H 6.0 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli dir=\"auto\"\u003e Material\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eWood core with natural urushi lacquer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n \u003cli dir=\"auto\"\u003eMotif: pine, bamboo and plum blossom\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli dir=\"auto\"\u003e Includes: Original tomobako with signature\u003cbr\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli dir=\"auto\"\u003e Condition:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eExcellent, no cracks, scratches or paint loss\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli dir=\"auto\"\u003e Origin\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eJapan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\n \u003cstrong\u003eSakata Minetoshi\u003c\/strong\u003e (born 1961) is a Japanese master of urushi lacquerware and a specialist in makie—the refined art of layering gold and colored lacquer and carefully polishing it to a lustrous, almost painterly finish. As the eldest son of a traditional lacquerware family, the Sakata-ke, he grew up in an environment where craftsmanship, discipline, and refined aesthetics were paramount.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e In 1976, he apprenticed with master \u003cstrong\u003eMaehata Gahō\u003c\/strong\u003e (前端雅峯), a renowned authority on Japanese lacquer techniques. Under his guidance, Minetoshi developed an exceptional mastery of classical and modern makie methods, excelling in delicate linework, interplay of color, and refined decorative motifs.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n \u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eIn 1993, he was officially recognized as a Traditional Craftsman (伝統工芸師), a prestigious certification within Japanese arts and crafts. A year later, his work was selected for the Tankyū Biennale Tea Ceremony Art Exhibition, a sign of his growing reputation within the world of tea ceremony and traditional art. In 1995, he became head of the makie department of the art group 雅 (Miyabi). In 1999, he received the title of \u003cstrong\u003eTraditional Artisan\u003c\/strong\u003e , certified by the Japanese Ministry of Industry, one of the highest honors for craftsmanship.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSymbolism\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cspan\u003eThe\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShochikubai motif\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan\u003e(pine, bamboo, and plum blossom) is one of the most classic and beloved symbolic combinations in Japanese culture. These three plants are considered together to express good fortune, prosperity, and moral strength, and traditionally appear on ceremonial objects, tea utensils, and gifts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e \n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePine (松, matsu)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan\u003eis an evergreen and withstands wind, cold, and snow. Therefore, the pine symbolizes\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003esteadfastness, loyalty, and longevity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan\u003e. In the context of the tea ceremony, the pine symbolizes inner peace and the ability to remain dignified and steadfast under all circumstances.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBamboo (竹, take)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan\u003egrows quickly, is hollow, and bends without breaking. This makes bamboo a symbol of\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eflexibility, resilience, and inner purity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan\u003e. It recalls the importance of modesty and adaptability—core values ​​of Japanese aesthetics and Zen thought.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e \n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlum blossoms (梅, ume)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan\u003ebloom early in the year, often even while the winter cold lingers. This makes the plum blossom a symbol of\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003erenewal, hope, and the beginning of a new season\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan\u003e. They symbolize the courage to show beauty and growth despite adversity.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cspan\u003eTogether, these three plants form a harmonious whole that expresses not only happiness and prosperity, but also a moral ideal: to be steadfast like the pine, flexible like bamboo, and hopeful like the plum blossom. For this reason, Shochikubai is ideally suited for use in the tea ceremony, where nature, symbolism, and inner attitude converge.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Thee van Anke","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52752622190938,"sku":null,"price":180.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/2799\/7530\/files\/Gekke1.jpg?v=1765665267","url":"https:\/\/www.vananke.com\/products\/matcha-natsume-shochikubai-sakata-minetoshi-maki-e-en","provider":"vananke","version":"1.0","type":"link"}