A shiokumi natsume tea caddy by maki-e artist Shoetsu, rendered in Ennosai-gonomi tradition. Deep tame-nuri lacquer carries gold maki-e waves across the body — tide-scooping figures in gold inhabit the lid interior. This Japanese tea ceremony piece channels the 13th Urasenke iemoto's aesthetic through urushi lacquerwork of quiet density. Gold calligraphy and sea-spray motifs ground the vessel in coastal narrative.
The form belongs to Urasenke chado lineage, shaped by Ennosai's preference for vessels that carry landscape within ceremony. Tame-nuri lacquer — that deep wine-toned ground — allows the gold maki-e to emerge with restrained luminosity. The shiokumi (tide-scooping) theme unfolds across two registers: wave patterns with gold spray on the body, salt-gathering figures rendered in gold on the lid's interior black ground.
Shoetsu's hand is evident in the precision of each wave line, the controlled scatter of gold dots suggesting ocean mist. The lid bears gold calligraphy reading "shoin," anchoring the piece within a specific architectural and ceremonial context.
Presented in tomobako (artist-signed wooden box) bearing the inscription "Ennosai-gonomi Shiokumi Natsume — Maki-e shi Shoetsu" with the artist's red seal and green silk cord.
▪ Artist: Shoetsu (松悦), maki-e lacquer specialist ▪ Tradition: Ennosai-gonomi (13th Urasenke iemoto) ▪ Technique: Tame-nuri ground with gold maki-e ▪ Motif: Shiokumi — tide-scooping with wave and figure ▪ Dimensions: D7cm × H7.5cm ▪ Includes: Tomobako with artist inscription and seal ▪ Era: Showa–Heisei period ▪ Condition: Excellent — consistent with careful ceremonial use
🔹 [ SHIPPING & PACKAGING ] • Dispatch: Within 1-6 business days • Carrier: Japan Post EMS / UPS (with tracking) • Packaging: Carefully wrapped with protective materials
