Camellia usucha natsume 椿紋薄茶器 Oshita Kosen

This tea caddy (natsume) was made by the Japanese lacquer artist Ōshita Kōsen (大下香仙) , a student of the master Ōshita Sekka (1874–1960) from Kanazawa. The work belongs to the refined Kaga maki-e tradition, known for its delicate use of gold and cinnabar powder. The signature香仙作 (Kōsen saku) and the original wooden box (Tomobako) with inscription confirm its authenticity.

• Creator: Ōshita Kōsen (大下香仙)
  
• Title: Tsubaki-mon usucha-ki (椿紋薄茶器)
  
• Type: Hiramakie natsume
  
• Material: Urushi maki-e
  
• Diameter: ≈ 6.4 cm
  
• Height: ≈ 6.8 cm
  
• Condition: In very good condition with minimal signs of use.
  
• Accessories: Original tomobako with hanko and calligraphy.
• Extra: Biography of the creator.

The camellia flower ( tsubaki ) is a traditional Japanese symbol of purity and tranquil beauty. In the tea ceremony, it represents renewal and hospitality. The choice of this motif reflects the seasonality and refined aesthetic of Japanese tea culture. It is often the first flower to appear in the tea room when nature is still bare.

It heralds the arrival of spring and represents inner strength and quiet elegance, values ​​that perfectly align with the spirit of wabi-sabi (the beauty of simplicity and transience). The flower is also associated with hospitality and respect for the moment, two core concepts of the tea ceremony.

In lacquer art (maki-e), the camellia is therefore often chosen as a decorative theme: its round, balanced shape and glossy petals lend themselves perfectly to gold and vermilion accents on a dark lacquer base.

The document confirms that this tea caddy actually originated from a recognized professional lacquer artist of the Kaga school, with official affiliations and teaching positions, strong evidence of authenticity and artistic background.

The tomobako (the original wooden storage box) has calligraphy written on the right side:椿紋薄茶器(tsubaki-mon usucha-ki) “Camellia-motif tea caddy for thin tea.” At the bottom left is the maker’s signature:香仙作(Kōsen saku) – “Made by Kōsen,” and below that a red seal (香仙印, Kōsen in) , the personal stamp of the artist Ōshita Kōsen .