Nakamura Kosai Gold Maki-e Natsume 'Autumn Grasses and Rabbit' - Lacquer Tea Caddy

An exquisite lacquer tea caddy (chu-natsume) by Nakamura Kosai, featuring stunning gold maki-e depicting autumn grasses, a crescent moon, and a leaping rabbit against a deep navy-indigo lacquer ground. This Yamanaka-nuri masterpiece captures the poetic autumn moon-viewing (tsukimi) tradition in gold on midnight blue — a breathtaking centerpiece for any tea ceremony or lacquerware collection. Ships with tracking from Japan.

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[ PRODUCT DETAILS ]
• Artist: Nakamura Kosai (中村湖彩)
• Origin: Yamanaka, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan (Yamanaka-nuri tradition)
• Type: Tea Caddy (Chu-Natsume / 中棗)
• Style: Gold Maki-e on lacquer / Traditional Japanese / Zen Aesthetic
• Dimensions: 6.7 cm diameter × 7.4 cm height (2.6" × 2.9") – Fits comfortably in the palm of your hand
• Materials: Wood core, natural urushi lacquer, gold powder (maki-e), silver accents
• Packaging: Signed wooden box (tomobako) inscribed "秋草に兎蒔絵 中棗 湖彩"
• Condition: Excellent condition. Gold maki-e design vivid and intact. Lacquer surface lustrous with no damage.

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[ ABOUT THIS PIECE ]
This natsume is a visual poem rendered in gold and lacquer. Against a ground of deep navy-indigo — almost black in dim light, but revealing its rich blue depth in natural illumination — the artist has painted a luminous autumn scene in gold maki-e (sprinkled gold technique).

Tall stems of susuki (pampas grass) sway gracefully across the surface, their feathery seed heads catching imagined moonlight. Among them, a rabbit leaps playfully — a reference to the Japanese folk tale of the 'Moon Rabbit' (tsuki no usagi), said to live on the moon pounding mochi rice cakes. A slender crescent moon hangs above, completing the tsukimi (moon-viewing) tableau.

The gold work is masterful — varying in density from fine powder sprinklings to bold raised lines, creating depth and movement across the curved surface. Each time you turn the natsume in your hands, new details emerge from the dark ground.

[ WHY CHOOSE THIS NATSUME? ]
Nakamura Kosai works in the Yamanaka-nuri tradition, one of Japan's premier lacquerware production regions in Ishikawa Prefecture. Yamanaka is renowned for its wood-turning (rokuro) technique and the quality of its lacquer finishing. This piece represents the intersection of fine craftsmanship and poetic imagination that defines the best of Japanese lacquer art.

[ CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE ]
The 'autumn grasses and rabbit' (秋草に兎) motif is one of the most beloved design themes in Japanese decorative art, drawing from the ancient tradition of tsukimi (moon viewing). In Japanese mythology, the markings on the moon's surface depict a rabbit pounding mochi — a story shared across East Asian cultures. The combination of susuki grass, crescent moon, and rabbit evokes autumn evenings of contemplative beauty, making this natsume particularly appropriate for tea gatherings from September through November.

The deep indigo ground color itself is significant — representing the darkening sky of autumn evenings, it creates the perfect stage for the gold moon and rabbit to shine, much as the real moon brightens the autumn sky.

[ PROVENANCE & AUTHENTICITY ]
Accompanied by the artist's signed wooden box (tomobako) with brush calligraphy reading "秋草に兎蒔絵 中棗" (Autumn Grasses and Rabbit Maki-e Medium Natsume) with the artist's name "湖彩" (Kosai). The tomobako serves as a certificate of authenticity.

[ SUGGESTED USES ]
• Tea ceremony use — holds matcha powder (usucha) for thin tea preparation
• Display piece for Japanese lacquerware collections — the gold on indigo is stunning under ambient lighting
• Perfect gift for tea ceremony enthusiasts, collectors of Japanese lacquer art, or moon-lovers
• Unique autumn-themed gift for anniversaries, birthdays, or cultural appreciation

[ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ]
Q: What is maki-e?
A: Maki-e (蒔絵) literally means 'sprinkled picture.' Gold or silver powder is sprinkled onto wet lacquer to create designs, then sealed with additional lacquer layers. It is one of Japan's most refined decorative arts, developed over 1,000 years.

Q: Is this food-safe for storing matcha?
A: Yes, traditional urushi lacquer is food-safe and has been used for centuries in Japan for storing tea, food, and other consumables. The lacquer creates a natural barrier that protects both the contents and the container.

Q: How should I care for this piece?
A: Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth after use. Avoid direct sunlight for extended periods as UV light can gradually affect lacquer over many years. Never use water, detergent, or a dishwasher. Store in its wooden box when not in use.

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• Dispatch: Within 1-6 business days
• Carrier: Japan Post EMS / UPS (with tracking)
• Packaging: Carefully wrapped with protective materials