Natsume Sasa Kiri 笹桐 Miyata Munekage

This Sasa Kiri natsume (徳風棗) was created by contemporary Echizen lacquer artist Miyata Munekage (宮田宗景). Miyata studied under Issei Minowa (箕輪一星) and works within the traditional Echizen urushi practice, focusing on craftsmanship and tea ceremony use.

Motif

This chū natsume is executed in deep glossy black tame-nuri urushi and decorated with refined maki-e in gold, red, and green. The lid features a lavish paulownia flower in red-orange and gold, surrounded by trailing stems and leaves. On the side, bamboo leaves and the paulownia flower are depicted in gold and green.

Symbolism

The bamboo leaf symbolizes purity and resilience. It bends with wind and rain without breaking, and is therefore seen as a sign of inner strength and steadfastness. The paulownia is a tree that has traditionally been associated with the imperial court and was used in family crests for centuries. The motif depicts dignity, protection, and continuity. According to tradition, the mythical phoenix nests exclusively in the paulownia, which gives it additional meaning as a symbol of harmony and prosperity. Together, these two motifs form a balanced and meaningful whole that seamlessly aligns with the understated beauty and contemplative nature of the Japanese tea ceremony.

Object Details

• Title: Sasa Kiri 笹桐
• Maker : Miyata Munekage 宮田宗景
  
• Period : Showa (ca. 1975–1990)
• Technique Urushi lacquer with hiramaki-e
  
• Dimensions approx. Ø 6.5 cm × H 6.0 cm
• Material Wood core with natural urushi lacquer
  
• Includes: Original tomobako with signature
  
• Condition: Very good condition. Urushi surface and maki-e are clear and intact, with only minimal traces consistent with careful use. 
• Origin Japan, Echizen (越前), Fukui Prefecture, Kawada (河和田), Sabae

Tomobako and Authenticity

The natsume comes in an original wooden tomobako with handwritten calligraphy, stating the technique, type, and artist's name. The presence of this storage box in Japan is a sign of authenticity and significantly increases the value of the piece. A silk storage cloth is also included.

Signature and Maker

This natsume was made by Miyata Munekage 宮田宗景, a Japanese lacquer artist from the Echizen region in Fukui Prefecture. His workshop is located in Sabae, in the Kawada district, the historical center of the Echizen urushi tradition.

Miyata Munekage (宮田宗景) began his training in Shōwa 45 (1970) under Yōrin Issei (養輪一星) and started working independently from Shōwa 50 (1975). Such details are traditionally included with chadōgu and contribute to the context and appreciation of the object. In catalogs and trade texts, awards and selections are also regularly mentioned, such as the Shitsugei Kyōkai prize, selections or prizes at the Nichigei-ten, and participation in the Echizen Maki-e Mihon-ichi. These mentions confirm his position within the Japanese lacquer tradition and his reputation as a maker of carefully executed, functional, and aesthetically balanced tea ceremony objects.

As a Gift

This natsume is a perfect gift for completing studies, receiving a diploma, or obtaining a certification. An object that marks the transition and invites one to continue with peace and concentration. The sasa-kiri motif reinforces this meaning: the bamboo leaf reminds us of flexibility and inner strength, the paulownia represents dignity and bearing responsibility. Together, they depict a new beginning, with attention to what has been learned and confidence in what is to come.