Enzan natsume 遠山中棗 Arai Shiho

This elegant Rikyū-style (利休形) tea caddy (natsume) was made by Japanese lacquer artist Arai Shihō (新井司峰) , a master from the Kaga region known for his refined urushi and maki-e traditions. The piece captures the spirit of Sen no Rikyū (1522–1591) , founder of the Japanese tea ceremony, with its characteristic low, rounded form and understated elegance, the embodiment of wabi-sabi : simplicity, harmony and unassuming beauty.

• Creator: Arai Shihō (新井司峰)
  
• Title: Enzan Natsume (遠山中棗)
  
• Type: Rikyū style
  
• Material: Urushi maki-e
  
• Diameter: ≈7 cm
  
• Height: ≈ 7 cm
  
• Condition: Excellent;
  
• Accessories: Original tomobako with hanko and calligraphy.
  

The surface is executed in maki-e (蒔絵) , a technique in which fine gold powder is sprinkled onto wet lacquer to create a subtly lustrous relief. Here, Shihō depicts a tranquil mountain landscape (遠山, enzan) that winds around the natsume. The sheen of the gold on the deep black lacquer evokes distant mountains in the mist, a poetic metaphor for distance and tranquility—central values ​​within the chadō (the way of tea).

The original wooden box ( tomobako ) bears the calligraphic inscription遠山中棗 (Enzan Natsume) , “Tea Caddy with Distant Mountains,” and is signed by the artist with the name司峰 (Shihō) , accompanied by his red seal. These elements confirm the authenticity and provenance of the work from the Kaga maki-e school in Ishikawa.

Arai Shihō (新井司峰) is a renowned lacquer master ( maki-e-shi ) from Ishikawa, specializing in tea ceremony objects such as natsume and kōgō. His work is regularly found in Japanese collections and at auctions, where it is prized for its perfect balance between traditional technique and contemporary refinement.

This natsume is in excellent condition, with minimal signs of wear. The combination of the Rikyū form, subtle maki-e decoration, and Kaga craftsmanship makes this piece a remarkable example of modern Japanese lacquer art in the classical spirit.

In short: an authentic, signed Rikyū-style natsume “Enzan” (Distant Mountains) , made by Arai Shihō (新井司峰) from the Kaga maki-e tradition. A subdued tribute to the silence, beauty and harmony that so deeply characterize Japanese tea culture.

New photos will follow soon.