Experience Authentic Japan Art with this Zuiun Studio Tea Caddy. This Japanese Tea Ceremony piece serves as a Hira-natsume and Old Pine Maki-e, featuring Flat Tea Caddy and Lacquerware Art—a must-have for any Art Collector.
🔹 [ Basic Details ] - Artist / Studio: Zuiun (瑞雲) - Technique: Wajima-style lacquerware with Old Pine (Oimatsu) Maki-e - Era: 1970s – 1980s (Showa Era) - Origin: Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan - Dimensions: Height 6.0 cm, Width 8.5 cm - Box: Original wooden box (Tomobako) and certification cloth included - Condition: Good vintage condition, minor signs of use on surface
🔹 [ Cultural & Artistic Insight ] Historical Context: Zuiun Studio is known for its classical, high-longevity lacquerware. The "Old Pine" (Oimatsu) motif is a top-level auspicious symbol in Japan, representing wisdom, endurance, and eternal life. Technique & Aesthetic: The Hira-natsume (Flat Tea Caddy) offers a wide, low canvas that showcases the sweeping branches of the pine tree. The Maki-e uses various grades of gold powder to create a textured, three-dimensional effect. Philosophical Reflection: Ancient branches reaching through the mist—a witness to a thousand seasons, now holding the essence of tea.
🔹 [ Deep-Dive Commentary ] Hira-natsume are often used in summer or for informal gatherings where the wide opening allows for a different visual presentation of the powdered tea. Zuiun's execution of the Oimatsu theme is powerful, using the dark lacquer as a symbol of deep time. The weight of the piece (approx. 83g) is balanced for precise manipulation during the ceremony. This caddy is an excellent example of functional art that carries the dignity and gravitas of traditional Japanese landscape painting into the palm of your hand.
