A nakatsugi tea caddy by Kawakami Koho, dense with gold and vermilion maki-e depicting cherry blossoms and maple leaves — shunjuu, the passage from spring to autumn.
The black lacquer body disappears beneath layers of sprinkled gold, pink, and red. Cherry petals in full scatter meet maple leaves mid-turn. Neither season dominates. The composition holds both in suspension, as though a single breath contained an entire year.
Maki-e (sprinkled picture) demands absolute control. Gold powder is applied to wet lacquer with a fine brush, particle by particle. Each petal, each leaf vein, each gradation of color is built through repetition — layer upon cured layer.
The nakatsugi form is cylindrical with a mid-body lid join, designed for usuchawan (thin tea). In the hands, the lacquer surface is warm and weightless.
Shunjuu is not merely decorative. It is a philosophical statement — impermanence held in lacquer, two seasons that exist only in transition.
■ [ DETAILS ] • Artist: Kawakami Koho (川上浩峰) • Origin: Japan • Dimensions: Approx. 6.8cm diameter × 6.9cm height • Condition: Excellent. Tomobako shows slight sun marks on exterior • Includes: Signed tomobako
🔹 [ SHIPPING & PACKAGING ] • Dispatch: Within 1-6 business days • Carrier: Japan Post EMS / UPS (with tracking) • Packaging: Carefully wrapped with protective materials
