Matcha sunkiri natsume 春野蒔絵 Hariya Yūsai

Name: Matcha sunkiri natsume 春野蒔絵 Hariya Yūsai
Brand: Thee van Anke
Price: 389.00 EUR
Availability: InStock

€389,00 EUR

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This beautiful natsume (matcha powder container for the tea ceremony) was made by the Japanese lacquer master針谷裕斎 (Hariya Yūsai) . The round shape is the sunkiri type (寸切棗), slightly lower and wider than the standard shape, which gives it a harmonious, stable appearance.

The surface is covered with multiple layers of transparent reddish-brown urushi lacquer (透漆, suki-urushi ), which creates a warm, deep sheen that subtly lets the underlying layers shine through. On top of this, graceful motifs of spring plants (haruno), including blooming wildflowers and ferns, are applied in gold powder (金粉) and silver powder (makie). On the lid flutters a butterfly with wings inlaid with mother-of-pearl ( raden 螺鈿), a symbol of grace, lightness, and rebirth.

The decoration is executed using the classic togidashi-makie technique, in which the lacquer is polished to a smooth, glossy finish after the metal powders and mother-of-pearl have been applied. This is a time-consuming and demanding process performed only by experienced masters.

The whole is presented in its original tomobako (共箱), the wooden box on which are placed the title春野蒔絵寸切 (“Haruno makie sunkiri”) and the signature 裕斎作 (“made by Yūsai”) with a seal (印). This includes the original silk fukusa cloth, also bearing the lacquermaster’s seal, and a blue paper outer packaging with the studio label.

Title: Haruno makie sunkiri natsume (春野蒔絵寸切棗)
Creator : Hariya Yūsai (針谷裕斎)
Period Late Showa to early Heisei (ca. 1980–2000)
Technology Urushi lacquer, gold and silver lacquer, raden (mother-of-pearl inlay)
Format Sunkiri type (low & wide)
Dimensions approx. Ø 6.5 cm × H 6.0 cm
Material Wood core with natural urushi lacquer
Motive Butterfly and spring plants (haruno)
Includes: Original tomobako with signature
Includes: fukusa cloth, paper outer box
Condition: Excellent, no cracks, scratches or paint loss visible
Origin Japan (Yamanaka Shikki tradition)

The creator

Hariya Yūsai (裕斎) is the artist's name of Masayuki Hariya, with Yū (裕) representing abundance or wealth and Sai (斎) referring to a studio or place of devotion. Together, the name symbolizes his studio of creative dedication and reflects his devotion to the craft of maki-e and traditional lacquerware.

Hariya Yūsai is a contemporary master lacquerworker in the Yamanaka Shikki (山中漆器) tradition in Ishikawa Prefecture. Born in 1954 in Kaga City , he remains active as a maki-e artist. His work is characterized by a refined combination of classic Japanese lacquer techniques and elegant motifs inspired by nature.

Hariya Yūsai is a member of the prestigious Japan Kōgei Association , Ishikawa branch. Membership in this association means his work is recognized as being of high artistic and artisanal quality. It confirms his status as a master lacquermaker and gives his work added authority at exhibitions and auctions. Since the 1980s, Hariya has regularly participated in major regional exhibitions, including the Ishikawa Exhibition, the Chunichi Exhibition, and various specialized arts and crafts exhibitions.

He has received numerous awards, including the Technical Prize of the Creative Exhibition (1983 and 1989) and the Encouragement Prize of the Ishikawa Traditional Industry Promotion Council (1987). He has also been selected for the Hokuriku Seiun Exhibition and the Hanamachi Art Exhibition, among others.

The Hariya family is a vibrant dynasty of maki-e artists and lacquerware masters in Yamanaka Onsen. Their workshop serves as a center for production, education, and cultural exchange, where the next generation actively contributes to the continuity and renewal of the Japanese lacquerware tradition. They combine classic Yamanaka techniques with modern design concepts and engage the public through exhibitions, workshops, and demonstrations, keeping traditional lacquerware alive. Learn more about the Hariya family via this link.

Symbolism

Haruno (春野) literally means "spring field" (春 haru = spring, 野 no = field). In an object name, it refers to the motif or theme of the decoration, often spring plants and flowers. The butterfly (蝶) in Japan represents elegance, transformation, and happiness. The spring plants (春野) symbolize the awakening of nature and renewal. Together, they express the tea ceremony ideal of wabi-sabi, beauty in simplicity, transience, and renewal.

Included Bio Maki-e Artist: Hariya Yusai

Japan Kōgei Association, Ishikawa branch

1954 (Showa 29) – Born in Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture.
1972 (Showa 47) – Studied with Hashida Soto-o, a craftsman from Nitten (Japan Fine Arts Exhibition), learning modern craft techniques and design.
1976 (Showa 51) – Further training with lacquer artist Jiyuda Akira, focusing on traditional lacquerware and tea ceremony items.

Awards & Exhibitions

1983 (Showa 58) – Technical Award, Creative Exhibition
1986 (Showa 61) – Effort Award, Creative Exhibition
1987 (Showa 62) – Encouragement Award from the Ishikawa Traditional Industry Promotion Council
1989 (Heisei 1) – Technical Prize, Creative Exhibition

Participation in Exhibitions: