Natsume Hinode-tsuru 日の出鶴 by Miyata Munekage 宮田宗景, Echizen

This large natsume by Miyata Munekage (宮田宗景) is crafted in deeply lacquered blue-green wood (ao-urushi) and subtly decorated with a maki-e depiction of two flying cranes against a warm red-orange rising sun. The visible brush lines in the lacquer are executed in hakeme-nuri (刷毛目塗り), a traditional technique in which the brush strokes intentionally remain visible. This emphasizes the handcrafted character of the piece, adds depth and texture, and allows light to reflect in a lively and natural way.

Urushi

Ao-urushi (青漆) is a rare deep green-blue tone created through special pigmentation in urushi lacquer. The color evokes associations with nature, calmness, and harmony, enhancing the vitality of the motif. This tone also complements the bright green color of matcha beautifully, visually enriching the tea ritual and creating a sense of balance and serenity.

The motif

The motif of cranes at sunrise (Hinode-zuru, 日の出鶴) carries strong symbolism. Cranes represent longevity, loyalty, and good fortune, while the rising sun symbolizes a new beginning, hope, and prosperity. Together they form a harmonious and meaningful composition, making this natsume particularly suitable as a ceremonial or celebratory gift, for example for weddings, New Year celebrations, anniversaries, or other important milestones.

Object details

• 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

Signature and maker

Miyata Munekage is regarded as one of the leading contemporary lacquer masters of the Echizen tradition. His workshop is located in Sabae, Kawada, the historic center of Echizen urushi lacquerware, where artisanal knowledge has been passed down through generations. Munekage began his training in Shōwa 45 (1970) under Yōrin Issei (養輪一星) and started working independently in Shōwa 50 (1975), developing a distinctive combination of traditional techniques and refined personal expression.

His work is characterized by exceptional technical mastery, harmonious forms, and a subtle use of maki-e, where every brushstroke is carefully considered. Munekage has received several awards and recognitions, including distinctions from the Shitsugei Kyōkai and selections at the Nichigei-ten, and his work is regularly presented at the Echizen Maki-e Mihon-ichi.

Through his dedication to artisanal precision and artistic excellence, Miyata Munekage is respected not only as a maker of functional chadōgu (tea ceremony utensils), but also as an important figure within the modern Japanese lacquer tradition. His natsume, such as this Hinode Tsuru, combine craftsmanship, symbolism, and aesthetic balance, and are sought after by collectors and admirers of Japanese urushi lacquerware worldwide.

As a gift

This natsume makes a meaningful gift for important milestones such as a wedding, New Year celebration, or another significant life transition. The motif of cranes at sunrise (Hinode-zuru, 日の出鶴) reinforces this symbolism: the cranes represent longevity, loyalty, and good fortune, while the rising sun symbolizes a new beginning, hope, and prosperity. Together they express the idea of a fresh start and a harmonious future, honoring what has passed while looking forward with confidence to what lies ahead.