Camellia usucha natsume 椿紋薄茶器 Oshita Kosen

This tea caddy (natsume) by Ōshita Kōsen (大下香仙), a pupil of master Ōshita Sekka (1874–1960) from Kanazawa, belongs to the refined Kaga maki-e tradition, known for its subtle use of gold and vermilion powder. The camellia motif (tsubaki, 椿) is often one of the first flowers to appear in the tearoom when nature is still bare.

Motif

On the dark lacquer base, a refined camellia motif (tsubaki, 椿) is applied with gold and vermilion accents. The round petals and balanced composition closely align with the aesthetic of Kaga maki-e, which focuses on subtle decoration and refined material execution. The simple yet powerful form of the camellia makes it particularly suitable as a decorative theme within the world of the tea ceremony.

Symbolism

The camellia (tsubaki) is considered a traditional symbol of purity, renewal, and quiet beauty in Japan. Because it blooms when many other plants are still bare, it is seen as a harbinger of spring and associated with inner strength and understated elegance. Within the tea ceremony, the flower also represents hospitality, mindfulness of the moment, and seasonal sensitivity, values closely linked to the spirit of wabi-sabi and chadō.

Object details

• Maker: Ōshita Kōsen (大下香仙)
  
• Title: Tsubaki-mon usucha-ki (椿紋薄茶器)
  
• Type: Hiramakie natsume
  
• Material: Urushi maki-e
  
• Diameter: ≈ 6.4 cm
  
• Height: ≈ 6.8 cm
  
• Condition: In very good condition with minimal signs of use.
  
• Accessories: Original tomobako with hanko and calligraphy.
• Extra : Biography of the maker.

Tomobako and authenticity

On the tomobako (the original wooden storage box), the right side bears the calligraphy: 椿紋薄茶器 (tsubaki-mon usucha-ki) “Camellia-motif tea caddy for thin tea.” The bottom left bears the maker's signature: 香仙作 (Kōsen saku) – “Made by Kōsen,” followed by a red seal (香仙印, Kōsen in), the personal stamp of the artist Ōshita Kōsen.

The document confirms that this tea caddy truly originates from a recognized professional lacquer artist of the Kaga school, with official memberships and teaching positions, strong evidence of authenticity and artistic background.