An ō-natsume of flowing grace — weeping willow branches in gold maki-e wrap the entire body of this Wajima-nuri tea caddy, crafted by the Miyakita atelier of Kanazawa's Kōrinbō district. The interior reveals gin-tame-nuri, a silver-tinted transparent lacquer finish that speaks to the continuity of Wajima's uncompromising craft tradition. Japanese lacquer tea caddy, gold maki-e willow design, Wajima lacquerware with tomobako.
▪ Maker: Miyakita (宮北謹製), Kanazawa Kōrinbō ▪ Tradition: Wajima-nuri (輪島塗) ▪ Form: Ō-natsume (large tea caddy) ▪ Technique: Gold maki-e on black urushi lacquer ▪ Interior: Gin-tame-nuri (silver-tinted transparent lacquer) ▪ Motif: Yanagi (weeping willow) ▪ Dimensions: H approx. 7.4 cm × Ø approx. 7.3 cm ▪ Includes: Tomobako (wooden presentation box) ▪ SKU: 260227_a_2102
— Cultural Insight — The weeping willow — yanagi — occupies a place of deep resonance in Japanese culture. It is the embodiment of yielding strength: roots anchored, branches surrendering to wind and gravity with effortless grace. In tea aesthetics, the willow speaks to the ideal of flexibility within discipline, beauty that does not resist the passage of time but moves with it. Kanazawa's connection to tea culture runs through centuries of Maeda clan patronage, and Wajima-nuri represents the apex of Japan's lacquer traditions.
— Deep-Dive — The Miyakita atelier of Kōrinbō, Kanazawa's cultural heart, brings the density of intention expected from a workshop operating within one of Japan's great lacquer-producing regions. The designation 謹製 (kinsei — respectfully made) signals the care and craft consciousness embedded in every layer of this piece.
The yanagi maki-e is masterfully composed — willow branches flow around the natsume's curved form in varying gold tones, from bold trunk lines to the finest trailing tendrils. The maki-e artist has captured the willow's essential character: movement frozen in gold, perpetual falling that never reaches the ground.
The gin-tame-nuri interior is a hallmark of distinguished Wajima work. Silver particles suspended beneath transparent lacquer create a warm, luminous glow when the lid is lifted — a quiet revelation reserved for the moment of use. This interior treatment elevates the piece beyond decoration into the realm of total craft consciousness.
At 7.4 cm tall and 7.3 cm in diameter, this ō-natsume carries substantial presence. The proportions are generous — appropriate for the grandeur of the willow motif and the authority of the Wajima tradition.
🔹 [ SHIPPING & PACKAGING ] • Dispatch: Within 1-6 business days • Carrier: Japan Post EMS / UPS (with tracking) • Packaging: Carefully wrapped with protective materials
