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

This listing is for a very beautiful natsume made around 20 years ago by makie artist Nakamura Kaho.  It is made of wood and features hand-painted morning glory blossoms over a black lacquered base.  Gold leaves and tendrils spill over on one side, thus bringing the vine to life.  This piece is as beautiful as a summer haiku, and one of Nakamura’s finest.  It comes with its original signed wooden storage box, as well as a turmeric coloured wrapping cloth for when the item is not in use. 

Nakamura Kaho is a Yamanaka lacquer craftsman from Ishikawa Prefecture.  He was born in a lacquerware town supported by the Kaga Hyakumangoku tradition. Hyakumangoku refers to the artisan culture promoted by the ruling Maeda clan. The first daimyo of the Kaga region, Maeda Toshiie, promoted artistry and culture which enabled Kanazawa to flourish. Because of this, Kanazawa became one of the most culturally renowned in all of Japan.  Nakamura discovered the beauty of makie at a very young age and decided to dedicate his life to making natsume.  He is mainly self-taught, and he has worked tirelessly to develop new and original techniques for decorating tea utensils.  He is certified as a traditional craftsperson of Yamanaka lacquerware, and mainly produces wares with beautifully detailed seasonal motifs.  **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and CANNOT be used in your own listings.

Yamanaka nuri refers to lacquerware produced in Ishikawa Prefecture. Echizen craftsmen from Fukui began producing lacquer pieces in this area as far back as the late 1500s. In the 1700s focus shifted towards producing wares for visitors to Yamanaka onsen. This also helped to promote the hot springs, so demand for lacquerware also increased. New techniques for lacquering were developed in the 1800s, and the arrival of the makie technique from Aizu, Kyoto and Kanazawa brought new changes to production in the area. Local craftsmen were also introduced to using a hand turned wood lathe to decorate the surface of their wares. Various patterns were developed and this became the most distinctive characteristic of Yamanaka lacquerware. The area flourished and it became known for its tea ceremony utensils and other fine lacquerware. Today there are over thirty lacquerware studios in the area, including Living National Treasure Kawakita Ryozo. **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and CANNOT be used in your own listings.

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.10cm (3.9”) x 8.6cm (3.3”) x 8.6cm (3.3”)

Natsume:  H.6.6cm (2.5”) x Dia.6.7cm (2.6”)                                                                           

Condition

It’s in very good condition with only very light 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:  EMS Express (approx. 7-15 days).  Combined shipping available (please send us a message) but please note that the price does not get cheaper for Airmail or EMS, in fact it becomes more expensive.  If you want to save money and don't mind a very long 3 month wait, request sea mail (11-12 weeks depending on processing and backlogs at destination ports). Inexpensive Airmail Small Packet option unavailable.

**UK and Canada:  EMS Express (approx. 7-15 days).  Combined shipping available (please send us a message) but please note that the price does not get cheaper for EMS, in fact it becomes more expensive.  If you want to save money and don't mind a very long 3 month wait, request sea mail (11-12 weeks depending on processing and backlogs at destination ports). Inexpensive Airmail Small Packet and regular Airmail is currently unavailable.

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

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

**Russia:  No shipping methods available.