Natsume Makie Natsume with Maple Leaf Motif by Sekizen

On a deep black lacquer ground, golden maple leaves are scattered across this Natsume, each appearing to float individually over lid and body, capturing the transience of autumn in enduring lacquer. A few of the leaves are rendered in fine silver, creating a subtle, shimmering contrast to the warm gold tone of the remaining motifs.

This maki-e technique, in which metal powder is sprinkled onto the still-damp lacquer, demands great experience and a steady hand, as every line must be placed immediately and precisely. The result is a fine, slightly raised texture that lends the motif spatial depth and catches the light anew from every angle. This Natsume was made by Sekizen, whose formal language is reflected in the clearly rounded, harmonious silhouette of the tea container.

The Natsume comes in a wooden box signed by the master, which offers the delicate lacquer body additional protection while also attesting to its provenance. Equally suited as a container for matcha in the chanoyu ceremony or as a standalone collector's piece, this piece combines seasonal symbolism with the centuries-old art of Japanese lacquerwork.