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

This listing is for a vintage natsume tea caddy made around 20-30 years ago by lacquer artist Nishimura Hiromine.  It is made of wood and decorated with makie kaede maple leaves over ‘milk tea’ coloured lacquer.  The exterior also features small mother of pearl accents, and the interior is lacquered black.  It comes with its original signed wooden storage box, as well as a yellow wrapping cloth for when the item is not in use.  It also comes with a Japanese language profile paper about Nishimura.

Nishimura Hiromine (b.1952) is a Kaga lacquerware artist and son of Kutani potter Nishimura Koichi.  He was born in Kaga city which is the birthplace of 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 thus enabling Kanazawa to flourish.  Kanazawa established itself as one of the most culturally renowned domains in all of Japan.   Nishimura originally trained as a Kutani-ware potter in his father's workshop, but he was drawn to lacquerware having spent his life in Kaga.  After he completed training under his father, he began to study lacquer techniques and established a workshop in Kaga city.  He is a makie specialist and produces tea utensils, lacquer boxes, as well as tea room furniture.  **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 8.7cm (3.4”) x 8.7cm (3.4”)

Natsume:  H.6.8cm (2.6”) x Dia.6.8cm (2.6”)

Condition

It’s in very good condition with only a few very minor marks 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.