{"product_id":"willow-makie-natsume-by-issei-japanese-nakatsugi-caddy-lacquer-art-japan-1","title":"Willow Makie Natsume by Issei – Japanese Nakatsugi Caddy – Lacquer Art – Japan","description":"Exquisite **Willow Makie Natsume** by master **Issei**. This **Japanese Nakatsugi Caddy** featuring **Elegant Willow Art** is a superior **Ceremony Utensil** for **Tea Room Decor**. Housed in a **Signed Tomobako**, it is a **Luxury Lacquerware** piece perfect for **Zen Home Decor** and **Japanese Art Gifts** for **Matcha Lovers**.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA classic Nakatsugi (cylindrical tea caddy) by the lacquer artist Issei. The 'Mebari-Yanagi' (Sprouting Willow) motif is rendered in fine gold Makie, symbolizing flexibility, resilience, and the arrival of spring.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e**Basic Details**\u003cbr\u003e- **Artist**: Issei (Traditional lacquer master)\u003cbr\u003e- **Technique**: Black lacquer (Kuro-urushi) with Willow Makie (gold\/silver powder)\u003cbr\u003e- **Era**: Late 20th Century (Showa\/Heisei Era)\u003cbr\u003e- **Origin**: Japan\u003cbr\u003e- **Dimensions**: approx. Height 7 cm, Diameter 6.5 cm\u003cbr\u003e- **Box**: Original Signed Wooden Box (Tomobako)\u003cbr\u003e- **Condition**: Excellent vintage condition\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e**Cultural \u0026amp; Artistic Insight**\u003cbr\u003eThe 'Nakatsugi' shape is historically considered a 'noble' form of the tea caddy, characterized by its clean, cylindrical lines. The Willow (Yanagi) is a traditional motif in Japanese art, often paired with the arrival of the first tea of the season.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e**Deep-Dive Commentary**\u003cbr\u003e**Artistry**: Note the 'Mebari' (budding) detail on the willow branches. This suggests life waking up from winter. The Makie is flat and smooth (Hira-makie), characteristic of refined Kyoto and Kanazawa styles.\u003cbr\u003e**Symbolism**: In Zen philosophy, the willow that bends but never breaks is a metaphor for the mind's enlightened state. This makes it a deeply appropriate utensil for serious tea practice.\u003cbr\u003e**Usage**: As a Nakatsugi, it stands slightly taller and more formal than a standard Natsume. It is suitable for both usucha (thin tea) and certain formal 'shoudou' (movements) in the ceremony.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e*A golden branch that bows to the wind but never yields.*","brand":"The Modern Zen Archive","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":61566197563762,"sku":"260123_a_1709","price":1181.0,"currency_code":"AED","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/5680\/3698\/files\/m79671193822_1_f3055ba4-e9e4-49ac-b47b-b000ebe1cb76.jpg?v=1770107805","url":"https:\/\/checkout.themodernzenarchive.com\/products\/willow-makie-natsume-by-issei-japanese-nakatsugi-caddy-lacquer-art-japan-1","provider":"The Modern Zen Archive","version":"1.0","type":"link"}