This elegant Japanese natsume by Nakatani Hakuhō is crafted in red urushi lacquer and decorated in maki-e. The strong contrast between the glossy red background, the dark plum branches, and the golden moon gives the work a distinct character. A refined composition in which a classic Japanese seasonal motif is rendered in a powerful and contemporary way.
Motif
The motif depicts plum branches with blossoms, scattered across the lid and the body of the natsume. The dark branches stand out clearly against the glossy red lacquer ground. On the lid is a golden moon, containing a small silhouette as a subtle detail. The composition is applied such that the branches extend across the various parts of the natsume. This creates a natural and continuous image when the lid is placed on the container.
Symbolism
The ume (梅), the Japanese plum blossom, is among the first flowers to appear at the end of winter. Therefore, the ume traditionally represents resilience, perseverance, and the coming of spring. The blossom that develops despite the cold is associated with steadfastness and inner strength. In the Japanese visual tradition, the moon (tsuki, 月) refers to transience, tranquility, and the passage of time. Furthermore, the moon is an important motif within the Japanese experience of the seasons and poetry. Together, plum blossom and moon bring nature, season, and transience together in a single composition.
- Maker: Nakatani Hakuhō (中谷博峰)
- Title: Ume-tsuki maki-e natsume (梅月蒔絵中棗)
- Type: Yamanaka Lacquerware
- Material: Urushi maki-e
- Diameter: ≈ 6 cm
- Height: ≈ 7 cm
- Condition: Superficial traces of use on the rim.
- Accessories: Original tomobako with hanko and calligraphy.
- Extra: Biography of the maker.
Tomobako and signature
The natsume comes with the original wooden tomobako. On the box is the designation 梅月蒔絵中棗, with the signature 博峰造 (Hakuhō-zō), which can be read as “made by Hakuhō.” The calligraphy and the red seal form an important part of the documentation accompanying the work.
Also included with the natsume is a biographical document of the maker. It describes the professional background of Nakatani Hakuhō (中谷博峰), as well as his participation in various exhibitions in the field of Yamanaka lacquerware and traditional Japanese lacquer art. Mentioned are, among others, the Yamanaka Shikki New Works Exhibition, the Kaga Art Exhibition, and the National Lacquerware Exhibition.
The maker
Nakatani Hakuhō (中谷博峰) was born in 1948 and is associated with the Yamanaka lacquer tradition in Ishikawa Prefecture. Yamanaka is known for its long tradition of shikki (漆器), Japanese lacquerware. His name appears in documentation regarding various exhibitions and presentations of traditional Japanese lacquerware. The enclosed biography thus provides valuable context for this natsume and for the position of Nakatani Hakuhō within the Yamanaka lacquer tradition.
