Shunju Hira-Natsume with Two Seasonal Lids – Raden Sakura & Shu Kiku by Soetsu Nakamura

Shunju Hira-Natsume with Two Seasonal Lids by Soetsu Nakamura

A distinctive Shunju (春秋) Hira-Natsume (平棗) by Japanese lacquer artist Soetsu Nakamura (中村宗悦), accompanied by two interchangeable lids—one representing spring and the other autumn.

The name Shunju (春秋) literally means “Spring and Autumn,” and the design allows the character of the chaki to change with the season simply by changing its lid.

Spring – Raden Sakura

The spring lid features sakura (桜, cherry blossoms) expressed with raden (螺鈿), the traditional decorative technique of inlaying pieces of luminous mother-of-pearl or shell into a lacquered surface.

As the light moves across the lid, the shell catches and reflects subtle colors, giving the cherry blossoms a delicate brilliance. The effect beautifully evokes the fleeting luminosity of sakura in spring.

This lid is especially appropriate for the sakura season, from late March through April, and makes an elegant choice for a spring chakai.

Autumn – Shu Kiku

The second lid represents autumn and features kiku (菊, chrysanthemum) against a warm shu (朱, vermilion-red) lacquer finish.

The chrysanthemum is one of Japan’s most important classical flowers and has long been associated with longevity, refinement, and good fortune. Its connection with autumn makes this lid particularly appropriate for seasonal tea gatherings as the weather begins to cool.

The rich shu lacquer creates a striking contrast with the quieter character of the spring lid, allowing the same chaki to take on an entirely different seasonal expression.

One Chaki, Two Seasons

The inclusion of two lids makes this piece especially appealing within the seasonal tradition of Chanoyu. Rather than simply depicting spring and autumn together, the utensil can be physically transformed to suit the season, allowing the host to select the appropriate lid according to the time and theme of the tea gathering.

The low, broad Hira-Natsume (平棗) form provides an elegant setting for both designs and gives the piece a distinctive presence among more conventional natsume forms.

Created by Soetsu Nakamura, an accomplished lacquer artist known for his extensive work in utensils for Chanoyu, this Shunju Hira-Natsume brings together raden, lacquer craftsmanship, seasonal symbolism, and thoughtful functionality in a single tea utensil.

A particularly versatile and refined piece for seasonal chakai, as well as an appealing addition to a collection of Japanese lacquer art.

About the Artist – Soetsu Nakamura

Soetsu Nakamura (中村宗悦), born in Ishikawa Prefecture in 1932, is a Japanese lacquer artist known for traditional lacquerware created for Chanoyu.

He began studying kyushitsu, the traditional art of applying and building layers of urushi lacquer, under his father in 1946 and devoted his career to creating lacquer tea utensils.

Nakamura also studied the Way of Tea beginning in 1967 and later received the tea name Sokyo (宗恭) in 1987. His understanding of Chanoyu is reflected throughout his extensive body of work.

His craftsmanship has received numerous honors in Japan, and he is particularly known among tea practitioners for his finely crafted natsume and other lacquer utensils, including works based on konomi designs associated with distinguished tea masters of the Senke traditions.

Details

• Artist: Soetsu Nakamura (中村宗悦)

• Name: Shunju (春秋) – “Spring & Autumn”

• Form: Hira-Natsume (平棗)

• Includes: Two Interchangeable Seasonal Lids

• Spring Lid: Sakura (Cherry Blossoms)

• Spring Technique: Raden (螺鈿 / Mother-of-Pearl Inlay)

• Autumn Lid: Kiku (Chrysanthemum)

• Autumn Finish: Shu (朱 / Vermilion-Red Lacquer)

• Chaki / Matcha Tea Caddy

• For Usucha

• Seasons: Spring & Autumn

• Made in Japan