Matcha sunkiri natsume 春野蒔絵 Hariya Yūsai

Name: Matcha sunkiri natsume 春野蒔絵 Hariya Yūsai
Brand: Thee van Anke
Price: 495.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$495.00 USD

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This beautiful natsume was created by the Japanese lacquer master Hariya Yūsai. The rounded shape is the sunkiri type (寸切棗), slightly lower and wider than the standard form, giving it a harmonious and stable appearance.

Motif

The surface is covered with multiple layers of transparent reddish-brown urushi lacquer (透漆, suki-urushi), creating a warm, deep gloss that subtly reveals the underlying layers. Over this, elegant motifs of spring plants (haruno)—including blooming wildflowers and ferns—have been applied in gold powder (金粉) and silver powder (maki-e). On the lid, a butterfly flutters, its wings inlaid with mother-of-pearl (raden 螺鈿), symbolizing grace, lightness, and rebirth.

The decoration is executed in the classical togidashi-maki-e technique, in which the lacquer is polished after the application of metal powders and mother-of-pearl until a smooth, even gloss is achieved. This is a time-consuming and demanding process practiced only by highly skilled masters.

Symbolism

Haruno (春野) literally means “spring field” (春 haru = spring, 野 no = field). In the name of an object, it refers to the decorative theme—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.

Object details

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)

Tomobako and Authenticity

The piece is presented in its original tomobako (共箱), the wooden storage box inscribed with the title 春野蒔絵寸切 (“Haruno maki-e sunkiri”) and the signature 裕斎作 (“made by Yūsai”), along with his seal (印). It also includes the original silk fukusa cloth, likewise bearing the lacquer master’s seal, and a blue paper outer wrapper with the atelier’s label.

Signature and Maker

Hariya Yūsai (裕斎) is the artist name of Masayuki Hariya. The character Yū (裕) signifies abundance or richness, while Sai (斎) refers to a studio or place of dedication. Together, the name symbolizes his atelier of creative devotion and reflects his commitment to the art of maki-e and traditional lacquerware.

Hariya Yūsai is a contemporary master lacquer artist within the Yamanaka Shikki (山中漆器) tradition in Ishikawa Prefecture. He was born in 1954 in Kaga and remains active today as a maki-e artist. His work is distinguished by a refined combination of classical Japanese lacquer techniques and elegant, nature-inspired motifs.

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.

Bio

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: