Japanese tea caddy Shuchiku maki-e 朱竹蒔絵 Yōhō

A beautifully refined Japanese natsume, crafted in traditional urushi lacquer, decorated with an elegant bamboo motif in warm gold and copper powders using the exquisite maki‑e technique. Subtle raden (mother‑of‑pearl) inlay delicately accentuates the design, catching soft light without disturbing the composition’s serene balance. This matcha tea caddy combines masterful craftsmanship with timeless aesthetic appeal, perfect for the tea ceremony and as a standout piece in your collection. 

Symbolism

Within Japanese culture, bamboo carries deep symbolic meaning: resilience, flexibility without breaking, steadfastness always upright, always graceful and life force growing in harmony with nature and the seasons. The subtle raden inlay in the bamboo stems features tiny mother‑of‑pearl pieces that catch the light with delicate flashes of blue, green, and violet, adding vitality without disrupting the quiet harmony of the design.

Object Details

• Title: Shuchiku (朱竹蒔絵)
• Maker: Murayama Yōhō (村山洋鳳)
• Motif: Bamboo (chiku)
• Type: Chū‑natsume (medium natsume)
• Materials: Wood, urushi lacquer, raden, maki‑e
• Diameter: ≈ 6.8 cm
• Height: ≈ 7 cm
• Condition: Good condition
• Accessories: Original tomobako with hanko seal and calligraphy; original silk fukusa cloth

Tomobako and Authenticity

The tea caddy is presented with its original tomobako (wooden storage box) bearing a handwritten inscription and seal. The recorded maker and decoration confirm the origin and authenticity of the piece. The accompanying fukusa cloth and careful packaging reflect the care with which this work has been preserved.

Signature and Maker

Murayama Yōhō (村山洋鳳) was active in the 20th century, and his signature appears on authentic tea ceremony objects in Japan. He is part of the tradition of artisanal maki‑e lacquerware — craftsmen who bring together technical mastery and refined aesthetics in objects that are both functional and artistic.