Exquisite **Akoda Tea Caddy** by master **Kuze Soshun**. This **Japanese Natsume** in a rare **Gourde Form** (Akoda) features **Refined Lacquer Art** for the ultimate **Tea Room Decor**. Including a **Signed Tomobako**, it is a **Luxury Japanese Gift** for **Lacquerware collectors** seeking **Zen Ceremony** tools and **Fine Art** utilities.
A masterfully crafted tea caddy by Kuze Soshun, featuring the iconic 'Akoda' shape. Named after the Akoda-uri (a type of heirloom squash/gourd), this form is prized in the tea world for its soft, lobed silhouette and tactile appeal.
**Basic Details** - **Artist**: Kuze Soshun (Kyoto master) - **Technique**: Black Urushi lacquer over a delicately carved wood core - **Form**: Akoda (Lobed/Gourd-like) - **Era**: Late 20th Century (Heisei Era) - **Origin**: Kyoto, Japan - **Dimensions**: Height 7.5 cm, Width 7 cm - **Box**: Original Signed Wooden Box (Tomobako) - **Weight**: 47g (extremely light and refined) - **Condition**: Immaculate condition
**Cultural & Artistic Insight** The Akoda shape has been a favorite since the Momoyama period. Its curved lobes (resembling the partitions of a squash) provide a continuous play of light and shadow on the dark lacquer surface, making it more dynamic than a standard symmetrical Natsume.
**Deep-Dive Commentary** **Artistry**: To achieve a weight of just 47g, the wood core must be carved to an incredible thinness. Soshun's application of the lacquer is even and deep, highlighting the subtle 'ribs' of the gourd form without overwhelming the delicate carving. **Kyoto Standard**: Kuze Soshun represents the high standard of Kyoto lacquerware, where the focus is on the marriage of ancient forms and modern technical perfection. This caddy is a testament to the concept of 'Iki' (chic refinement). **Usage**: The lobed form provides an exceptional grip, making it a joy to use during the ceremony. It is a 'connoisseur’s choice' for those who prefer form and texture over surface decoration.
*A harvest of shadow, carved into the shape of a mountain gourd.*
