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Matcha natsume Daiun 大雲 Saijō Issai

Matcha natsume Daiun 大雲 Saijō Issai

€325,00 EUR
€325,00 EUR
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This exceptional Ōnatsume bears the name “Daiun” (大雲, Great Cloud), a poetic reference to serenity and the flowing harmony of heaven and earth.

The work was created in the studio of Saijō Issai (西條一斉) , a master lacquer artist from Nara, born in 1937 (Shōwa 12) as Okutsu Toshio (奥津敏男) . Trained by his father Okutsu Yōhō (奥津洋方) , he is renowned for his mastery of urushi lacquerware, specializing in natsume (棗) and robuchi (炉縁). His refined style, which blends classical elegance with modern refinement, makes him one of the leading maki-e masters of the late 20th century.
  • Creator: Saijō Issai (西條一斉)
  • Title: Daiun Sumiyoshi (大雲)
  • Type: Ōnatsume
  • Materials: wood, rushi, urushi lacquer, maki-e (powdered gold & vermilion)
  • Diameter: ≈ 7.2 cm
  • Height: ≈ 7.5 cm
  • Inscriptions: Signed 「斉」(Sai) by Saijō in red lacquer
  • Inscriptions: Saijō Issai (box), Ikkō saku (box lid interior)
  • Condition: Superficial traces of use.
  • Accessories: Original tomobako with hanko, calligraphy.

    The motif depicts the Sumiyoshi-taisha shrine (住吉大社 in Osaka) , with its iconic red bridge (Sorihashi-bashi) and pine trees, symbols of spiritual transition, protection, and eternal power. The composition is executed in deep black urushi lacquer, with maki-e in powdered gold and vermilion accents. The bridge refers to the transition between the earthly and the spiritual realm, a fitting motif for the tea ceremony, in which every gesture is a transition to inner stillness.

    The name "Daiun – Sumiyoshi" was chosen by the creator himself: "Daiun" (大雲, Great Cloud) refers to the stillness of the mind during the tea ceremony, a cloud gently floating over the water, while "Sumiyoshi" forms the earthly and cultural anchor. Together they embody the harmony between heaven and earth, spirit and ritual.



    Tomobako
    The original tomobako (wooden presentation box) is inscribed with a brush: Made by maki-e master Saijō Issai Ōnatsume Sumiyoshi. Inside is the signature「一高作」 (Ikkō saku), which indicates execution in the same workshop, probably by a relative or apprentice of Issai. This double signature is typical of Japanese urushi workshops, where master and apprentice together represent a single artistic lineage.

    Ōnatsume vs. Natsume
    A natsume (棗) is the traditional tea caddy for usucha (thin matcha), named after the jujube fruit. The Ōnatsume (大棗), literally "large natsume," has a broader profile and a taller lid, intended for more formal tea ceremonies (chaji) or displays. Its larger surface area allows for finer maki-e details and emphasizes the refined balance of form and lacquer.

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