{"product_id":"willow-cherry-natsume-by-murata-sokaku-japanese-tea-caddy-silver-interior-japan","title":"Willow Cherry Natsume by Murata Sokaku – Japanese Tea Caddy – Silver Interior – Japan","description":"Lovely **Willow Cherry Natsume** by master **Murata Sokaku**. This **Japanese Tea Caddy** features **Willow and Sakura Makie** on a vibrant **Vermillion Base** with a **Luxury Silver Interior**. Housed in a **Signed Tomobako**, it is a perfect **Spring Ceremony Ware** and **Zen House Decor** for **Lacquerware collectors** seeking **Fine Japanese Art**.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA stunning and festive Natsume (tea caddy) by the master Murata Sokaku. This piece captures the essence of spring with the 'Yanagi-Sakura' (Willow and Cherry) motif, executed in fine gold Makie over a beautiful vermillion (Shu-nuri) background.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e**Basic Details**\u003cbr\u003e- **Artist**: Murata Sokaku (Traditional lacquer master)\u003cbr\u003e- **Technique**: Vermillion Urushi (Shu-nuri) with gold Makie; Silver-leaf interior (Gin-ji)\u003cbr\u003e- **Motif**: Yanagi-Sakura (Willow and Cherry blossoms)\u003cbr\u003e- **Era**: Late 20th Century (Heisei Era)\u003cbr\u003e- **Origin**: Japan\u003cbr\u003e- **Dimensions**: Height 7.6 cm, Diameter 7.4 cm\u003cbr\u003e- **Box**: Original Signed Wooden Box (Tomobako)\u003cbr\u003e- **Condition**: Immaculate condition\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e**Cultural \u0026amp; Artistic Insight**\u003cbr\u003eThe combination of Willow and Cherry blossoms is a classic poetic image of the Japanese spring. The contrast between the vibrant vermillion exterior and the cool, luxurious silver interior (Gin-ji) adds a layer of 'surprise' and depth when the lid is removed during service.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e**Deep-Dive Commentary**\u003cbr\u003e**Artistry**: The gold brushwork for the cherry blossoms is delicate, with some petals depicted as 'falling' against the swaying willow branches. The internal silver lining is a sign of high-end craftsmanship, designed to reflect the green of the matcha.\u003cbr\u003e**Symbolism**: Spring represents new beginnings. This caddy, with its auspicious colors and motifs, is especially favored for the first tea gatherings of the season (Hatsu-gama) or as a celebratory gift.\u003cbr\u003e**Usage**: The size is consistent for standard usucha (thin tea) storage. The surface is exceptionally smooth, characteristic of Sokaku's meticulously layered lacquer technique.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e*A storm of blossoms, dancing in a silver wind beneath a vermillion sky.*","brand":"The Modern Zen Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":61566198841714,"sku":"260123_a_1728","price":1312.0,"currency_code":"AED","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/5680\/3698\/files\/sku_260123_a_1728_1.jpg?v=1770636473","url":"https:\/\/checkout.themodernzenarchive.com\/products\/willow-cherry-natsume-by-murata-sokaku-japanese-tea-caddy-silver-interior-japan","provider":"The Modern Zen Archive","version":"1.0","type":"link"}