Yozakura Nakanatsume Matcha Caddy – Black-on-Black Sakura

Yozakura Nakanatsume – Black-on-Black Sakura by Juho Kobayashi

An exceptionally refined Nakanatsume (中棗) by Japanese lacquer artist Juho Kobayashi (小林寿峰), titled Yozakura (夜桜), “Cherry Blossoms at Night.”

Crafted from mizume wood (水目) and finished in deep black lacquer, this natsume reveals its beauty in an unusually subtle way. Sakura blossoms are painted in black lacquer across the lid and body and then covered with an additional layer of black lacquer.

At first glance, the decoration appears almost hidden within the dark surface. When the piece catches the light or is viewed from different angles, however, the cherry blossom design gradually emerges from beneath the lacquer—resembling sakura appearing softly in the darkness of night.

This restrained black-on-black decoration gives the piece a quiet sophistication very different from the brighter colors and gold often associated with sakura motifs. The design rewards close observation and creates an especially elegant presence in the tea room.

A Natsume Created in Celebration of Longevity

The original design (honka) is connected to the Chinese legend of Peng Zu (彭祖 / Hōso in Japanese tradition), a legendary figure renowned for extraordinary longevity and traditionally said to have lived for approximately 700 years.

In connection with the artist's koki (古希), the traditional celebration of one's 70th year, a remarkable project was conceived: to create seven different types of natsume, 100 of each design, for a total of 700 pieces—a number inspired by the legendary longevity of Peng Zu.

This Yozakura natsume is one of the designs associated with that commemorative project, giving the piece a story that extends beyond its beautiful lacquer decoration.

Kiri-Awase-Guchi

The natsume features Kiri-Awase-Guchi (切合口) construction, with the lid and body carefully formed to meet with exceptional precision. This refined construction reflects the high level of woodturning and finishing required for fine Japanese lacquer tea utensils.

With its sophisticated black-on-black sakura design, precise craftsmanship, and distinctive historical inspiration, this Nakanatsume is particularly suitable for a spring chakai and for tea practitioners or collectors seeking a more subtle and mature expression of the cherry blossom season.

Details

• Artist: Juho Kobayashi (小林寿峰)

• Name: Yozakura (夜桜) – “Cherry Blossoms at Night”

• Type: Nakanatsume (中棗)

• Size: 2.2

• Material: Mizume Wood (水目)

• Finish: Black Lacquer

• Motif: Sakura / Cherry Blossoms

• Technique: Black-on-Black Lacquer Decoration

• Construction: Kiri-Awase-Guchi (切合口)

• Recommended Season: Spring / Sakura Season

• Chaki / Matcha Tea Caddy

• For Usucha

• Made in Japan