Ume-tsuki natsume 梅月蒔絵中棗 Nakatani Hakuho

This tea caddy (natsume) was made by Japanese lacquer artist Nakaya Hakuhō (中谷博峰), active within the Yamanaka lacquer tradition in Ishikawa. The work is a contemporary interpretation of the classic maki-e technique, in which fine gold and silver powders are sprinkled into wet lacquer to create subtle decorative effects.

• Creator: Nakaya Hakuhō (中谷博峰)
  
• Title: Ume-tsuki maki-e natsume (梅月蒔絵中棗)
  
• Type: Yamanaka Lacquerware
  
• Material: Urushi maki-e
  
• Diameter: ≈ 6 cm
  
• Height: ≈ 7 cm
  
• Condition: with signs of use in the edge;
  
• Accessories: Original tomobako with hanko and calligraphy.
• Extra: Biography of the creator.

The original wooden box (tomobako) bears the calligraphic inscription梅月蒔絵中棗 (Ume-tsuki maki-e natsume) , “Tea caddy with plum blossom motif in maki-e” and is signed by the artist with his seal博峰造 (Hakuhō-zō) , “made by Hakuhō.” This confirms both the authenticity and provenance of the work.

The blossom motif ( ume , plum blossom) is a traditional Japanese symbol of resilience, purity, and renewal. Because the plum blossom blooms in midwinter, it heralds the arrival of spring. In the context of the tea ceremony, it symbolizes perseverance, hope, and inner peace—qualities deeply rooted in the spirit of wabi-sabi , the aesthetic of simplicity and transience.

The rich red lacquer, embellished with subtle black branches and gold accents, reflects the harmony of elegance and strength characteristic of the Yamanaka school. This refined balance between tradition and modern interpretation makes the natsume an exceptional example of contemporary Japanese lacquer art.

The accompanying biographical document describes Nakaya Hakuhō's professional background, including his participation in important exhibitions such as the Yamanaka Lacquerware Exhibition , the Japan Traditional Craft Exhibition , and the Ishikawa Prefectural Art Awards . It demonstrates his recognized position within the Japanese craft art world as a representative of the Yamanaka shikki (漆器) tradition.

In short, this piece is an authentic, signed natsume with a plum blossom decoration ( ume-maki-e ), crafted by a master of the Yamanaka school. It is an elegant example of modern lacquer art, in which symbolism, technique, and aesthetics blend harmoniously.