*SHIPPING OPTIONS VARY DEPENDING ON THE DESTINATION, PLEASE SCROLL TO THE END OF THIS LISTING FOR MORE DETAILS.

This listing is for a beautiful Wajima-nuri kanshitsu dry lacquer natsume tea caddy made around 20-30 years ago by Ichimine. Dry lacquer is known as kanshitsu in Japanese, and it is often used for sculpture, masks, and decorative arts. This technique involves moulding a figure or vessel with layers of hemp cloth soaked with lacquer, and the surface constructed with a mixture of lacquer, sawdust and other materials such as powdered shell or stone. The natsume in this listing is coated in black lacquer and decorated with a makie ‘fudegaki’ persimmon over a black lacquered base. The interior is lacquered black and there is a beautiful makie pattern decorating the outer rim.  It's lightweight and comes with its original signed wooden storage box, as well as a turmeric coloured wrapping cloth for when the caddy is not in use.

Ichimine is a prominent Wajima-nuri lacquerware artist from Ishikawa Prefecture. He developed an interest in creating lacquer pieces from a young age and is largely self-taught.  He is considered an expert at makie and specialises in producing exquisitely decorated natsume and tea utensils, and has mastered the art of producing high quality dry lacquer pieces. Ishikawa’s cold winters provide ideal conditions for creating lacquerware, and Ichimine has dedicated his career to perfecting it. His work is primarily decorated with seasonal motifs, and often features mother of pearl as well as gold and silver makie.  **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and CANNOT be used in your own listings.

Wajima nuri refers to lacquerware produced in Ishikawa Prefecture. The process of applying the lacquer is very complex, and there are as many as 124 steps involved. A finely powdered mineral called jinoko is used for the undercoating making it highly resistant and strong. Each piece has up to 8 layers of lacquer, this is the main reason why Wajima lacquerware is widely known throughout Japan for its high quality and durability. Wajima lacquerware commands high prices so purchases are usually reserved for special occasions such as weddings and anniversaries.

Makie refers to a crafting technique in Japan from presumably the Nara period. Craftsmen sprinkle gold or silver metal powder over successive layers of lacquer before it dries. Traditionally pure gold powder, pure gold flakes, and pure silver powder were used to complete motifs on lacquerware. The process of applying gold or silver powder requires both time and skill. At first the craftsman sketches out the design. He or she then adds charcoal powder to the base of the relief, and then a layer of urushi lacquer. Gold or silver powder is sprinkled over the wet lacquer, which acts as an adhesive. The surface is polished and then the process is repeated over and over until a beautiful raised pattern appears.                                                                                                           

Sizes

Box:  H.10.9cm (4.2”) x 9.1cm (3.5”) x 9.1cm (3.5”)

Natsume:  H.7cm (2.7”) x Dia.7.3cm (2.8”)                                                                              

Condition

It’s in very good condition with only light surface wear here and there.                               

THESE ARE SHIPPING ESTIMATES BASED ON THE CURRENT GLOBAL SITUATION                                                                 

**Germany, France, Greece, Spain, Poland, Austria, Slovakia, Lithuania, Slovenia:  NO SHIPPING.  Very strict and expensive packaging laws in place and we are not licensed to send products to these countries.  We have no plan to register at this time because the process is in some cases very expensive and complicated, plus each country has its own set of regulations and application process. 

**USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway: Airmail Small Packet (approx. 15-28 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail Small Packet (please send us a message).

**Asia:  Airmail Small Packet (approx. 15-21 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail Small Packet (please send us a message).

**Central Asia, Middle East, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico:  EMS Express 10-15 days.

**Russia:  No shipping methods available.