Matcha shiro-urushi natsume 橋爪庵 Hashizume-an
Matcha shiro-urushi natsume 橋爪庵 Hashizume-an
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This refined natsume (tea caddy for matcha) comes from Yamanaka Onsen, Kaga (Ishikawa) and is signed on the original wooden box (tomobako) as 「橋爪庵 造」 (made by Hashizume-an), with the accompanying red workshop seal (hanko) containing the character 庵. The shape is the classic nakatsume, with a medium-height, rounded silhouette suited for use within the Japanese tea ceremony.
Motif
The natsume is executed in white urushi (shiro-urushi), with a soft, warm sheen and a subtly uniform surface that emphasizes the calm, refined appearance of the lacquer. The surface is decorated with gold and silver fan motifs (senmen maki-e, 扇面蒔絵), incorporating seasonal flowers: plum blossom, orchid, pine, and chrysanthemum. The combination of fan and floral motifs creates a rhythmic, seasonal image in which each element is part of a continuous decorative whole.
Symbolism
The four depicted plants represent the seasons and their associated virtues within Japanese aesthetics. Plum blossom (ume) represents resilience and new beginnings, orchid (ran) represents refined elegance, chrysanthemum (kiku) represents nobility and longevity, and pine (matsu) represents steadfastness and immortality. Together, they form a harmonious cycle of nature that aligns with the quiet, contemplative atmosphere of the tea ceremony.
Shiro-urushi (白漆)
White urushi (shiro-urushi, 白漆) is a rare and technically demanding variant of traditional Japanese lacquer (urushi), where natural dark resin is mixed and pigmented to achieve a light, often ivory to cream-white appearance. Unlike the deep black or reddish-brown standard lacquers, shiro-urushi is sensitive to composition, drying conditions, and oxidation, making it particularly difficult to work with stably.
Historically, shiro-urushi was primarily used for decorative and ceremonial objects where a light, refined appearance was desired, often in combination with maki-e or other gold and silver accents. The contrast between the light surface and metal decoration creates a subtle, almost floating visual effect.
Object details
- Maker: Hashizume-an (橋爪庵 造)
- Title: Senmen Ichimen (洗面一面)
- Technique: maki-e (扇面蒔絵)
- Material: wood, urushi lacquer
- Diameter: ≈ 6.5 cm
- Height: ≈ 6.6 cm
- Condition: Excellent, undamaged
- Origin: Yamanaka Onsen, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan
- Date: ca. 1980–2000
- Accessories: original tomobako (共箱) and cloth (共布)
Tomobako and authenticity
The piece is signed on the original wooden box (tomobako) as 「橋爪庵 造」 (Hashizume-an saku, “made by Hashizume-an”) and features a red workshop seal (hanko) with the character 庵 (an). The signature is associated with the Hashizume lacquerware family from Kuroe, Kainan (Wakayama), a historic center of Japanese urushi production.
The Hashizume workshop has been active for several generations in traditional lacquer techniques, including maki-e, and produces both functional and ceremonial objects within Japanese tea culture. In this context, the name “Hashizume-an” is used as a workshop or artist name within the family production practice.
Signature and maker
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