Natsume Sasa Kiri 笹桐 Miyata Munekage

This natsume was made by Miyata Munekage (宮田宗景), a Japanese lacquer artist from the Echizen region of Fukui Prefecture. His studio is located in Sabae , in the Kawada district, the historic center of the Echizen urushi tradition.

Echizen lacquerware has a history of over fifteen centuries and is characterized by a functional and sustainable approach. Objects are designed for everyday use, with attention to balance, style, and proportion. In Kawada, this knowledge is traditionally passed down from generation to generation, with a strong focus on precision craftsmanship.

This background is clearly visible in Miyata Munekage's work. The natsume was designed as a utilitarian object for the tea ceremony, but also functions as a stylish decorative object. The combination of technical mastery and understated design makes the work suitable for both practical use and display in an interior.

The natsume is crafted from deep, glossy black urushi and decorated with subtle maki-e. The design features the classic sasa-kiri motif: bamboo leaves and paulownia . The bamboo leaf symbolizes purity and resilience: it bends with wind and rain without breaking and is therefore seen as a sign of inner strength and steadfastness.

The paulownia, on the other hand, is a tree traditionally associated with the imperial court and was used for centuries in family crests. It represents dignity, protection, and continuity. According to tradition, the mythical phoenix nests exclusively in the paulownia, which gives the motif additional significance as a symbol of harmony and prosperity.

Together, these two motifs form a balanced and meaningful whole that seamlessly aligns with the understated beauty, symbolism, and contemplative nature of the Japanese tea ceremony. The natsume comes in an original wooden tomobako with calligraphy, as is customary in Japan, making it a complete and authentic set.

• Title: Sasa Kiri 笹桐
• Creator : Miyata Munekage 宮田宗景
  
• Period : Showa (ca. 1975–1990)
• Technology Urushi lacquer with hiramaki-e
  
• Dimensions approx. Ø 6.5 cm × H 6.0 cm
• Material Wood core with natural urushi lacquer
  
• Includes: Original tomobako with signature
  
• Condition: Very good. The urushi surface and maki-e are bright and intact, with only minimal marks consistent with careful use. 
• Origin Japan, Echizen (越前), Fukui Prefecture, Kawada (河和田), Sabae

Miyata Munekage (宮田宗景) began his training at Shōwa 45 (1970) under Minowa Issei (箕輪一星) and became self-employed from Shōwa 50 (1975). Such information is traditionally included with chadōgu and contributes to the context and appreciation of the object. Catalogues and trade texts also regularly mention awards and selections, such as the Shitsugei Kyōkai Prize , selections or prizes at the Nichigei-ten , and participation in the Echizen Maki-e Mihon-ichi . These entries confirm his position within the Japanese lacquerware tradition and his reputation as a maker of carefully executed, functional and aesthetically balanced tea ceremony objects.

This natsume is a perfect gift for completing a degree, receiving a diploma, or earning a certification. It's an object that marks the transition and invites us to move forward with peace and focus. The sasa-kiri motif reinforces this meaning: the bamboo leaf evokes flexibility and inner strength, while the paulownia symbolizes dignity and responsibility. Together, they represent a new beginning, with attention to what has been learned and confidence in what lies ahead.