Authentic **Sakura Lacquer Natsume** by master **Wakashima Takao**. This exquisite **Japanese Tea Caddy** featuring **Weeping Cherry Blossom** on a **Silver Ground Lacquer** is a masterpiece of **Kaga Makie Art**. Including its **Signed Tomobako**, it is perfect for **Tea Ceremony Decor** or a **Luxury Sakura Gift** for **Lacquerware Collectors** of **Fine Japanese Art**.
A stunning large Natsume (tea caddy) by the celebrated lacquer artist Wakashima Takao. The contrast between the brilliant silver ground and the delicate white weeping cherry blossoms (Shidare-zakura) creates a scene of ethereal beauty, quintessential to Japanese spring.
**Basic Details** - **Artist**: Wakashima Takao (Celebrated Kaga-client lacquerware master) - **Technique**: Silver-ground (Ginji) with Shidare-zakura Makie (sprinkled gold/silver powder) - **Era**: Late 20th Century (Heisei Era) - **Origin**: Ishikawa Prefecture (Kaga region), Japan - **Dimensions**: approx. Diameter 7.5 cm, Height 7.7 cm - **Box**: Original Signed Wooden Box (Tomobako) - **Condition**: Immaculate condition
**Cultural & Artistic Insight** In the world of Japanese tea ceremony, the Natsume is a vessel of seasonal storytelling. The silver ground (Ginji) is a difficult and prestigious technique that provides a luminous stage for the 'Makie' blossoms, symbolizing the transient and noble spirit of the samurai culture.
**Deep-Dive Commentary** **Artistry**: Wakashima Takao is a master of the Kaga lacquer tradition. The precision of the weeping cherry petals, painted with minute detail, shows a level of craftsmanship found only in high-end ceremonial utensils. **Symbolism**: The Sakura (Cherry Blossom) represents the beauty of the moment. On this silver canvas, the white blossoms seem to glow, as if captured under moonlight, making it a seasonal favorite for spring tea gatherings. **Usage**: This large Natsume has a presence that anchors a tea room. Its smooth, cool silver surface is a tactile delight, and the tight fit of the lid demonstrates the supreme quality of the hand-carved wood core.
*Spring moonlight caught on a silver breeze, dancing in the palm of your hand.*
