Exquisite **Sparrow Natsume** by master **Nakabayashi Seizan**. This **Long Tea Caddy** features vibrant **Rice Ear Makie** and **Sparrow Art**, making it a perfect **Ceremony Utensil** for **Autumn Harvest Decor**. Packed in a **Signed Tomobako**, it is a piece of **Fine Lacquer Art** ideal for **Japanese Craft Gifts** and **Zen Collectibles**.
A delightful Naga-natsume (long tea caddy) by Nakabayashi Seizan, depicting a scene of playful sparrows (Suzume) among golden rice ears (Inaho). This motif is a classic symbol of autumn abundance and rustic Japanese life.
**Basic Details** - **Artist**: Nakabayashi Seizan (Lacquer master) - **Technique**: Black lacquer (Urushi) with polychrome Makie and gold dust - **Era**: Late 20th Century (Heisei Era) - **Origin**: Japan - **Dimensions**: approx. Diameter 5.4 cm, Height 7.7 cm - **Box**: Original Signed Wooden Box (Tomobako) - **Condition**: Pristine collector condition
**Cultural & Artistic Insight** Sparrows are beloved in Japan as signs of good luck and family prosperity. This Naga-natsume, with its elongated form, allows for a larger 'canvas' to tell the story of the autumn harvest.
**Deep-Dive Commentary** **Artistry**: Seizan's use of 'Takamakie' (raised lacquer) gives the sparrows a tactile, three-dimensional quality. The golden rice ears are painted with a sense of weight, bending slightly under the autumn wind. **Symbolism**: The 'Naruko' (clapper used to scare birds) adds a human touch to the nature scene, grounding the aesthetic in the traditions of the Japanese countryside. **Usage**: This Natsume is frequently chosen for gatherings in September and October. Its tall profile stands out among the lower, wider tea bowls, creating a dynamic visual hierarchy on the tea table.
*A sparrow's song, hidden in gold, waiting for the harvest wind.*
