A light natural wood Japanese box with black calligraphy markings and a dark green and beige striped paper cord tied around it, set against a neutral light gray background.

Goyo Natsume – Urasenke Hounsai Konomi-utsushi Matcha Caddy

$350.00

Goyo O-Natsume – Hounsai Konomi-utsushi by Soetsu Nakamura

A refined Goyo O-Natsume (五葉大棗) crafted by Japanese lacquer artist Soetsu Nakamura (中村宗悦), based on a design favored by Hounsai (鵬雲斎), the 15th-generation Grand Master of Urasenke.

The term k好mi (好み) in the tea tradition refers to a form, design, or combination of details selected or favored by a tea master. Konomi-utsushi (好写し) indicates that this piece was created in faithful reference to that established design.

This makes the natsume particularly meaningful within the context of Urasenke tea, extending beyond its decorative appeal to reflect a recognized aesthetic associated with Hounsai.

The piece is made in the O-Natsume (大棗) form, a larger and more substantial variation of the classic natsume tea caddy used to hold matcha for usucha. Its balanced proportions and refined lacquerwork give it a dignified presence when incorporated into a formal tea setting.

Created by Soetsu Nakamura, an established Japanese lacquer artist known for traditional tea utensils, this piece brings together skilled lacquer craftsmanship and a design closely connected with the Urasenke tea tradition.

A particularly suitable piece for a chakai, and an excellent choice for tea practitioners and collectors seeking utensils with a meaningful connection to Urasenke.

About the Artist – Soetsu Nakamura

Soetsu Nakamura (中村宗悦) is a Japanese lacquer artist known for producing traditional lacquerware for Chanoyu, including natsume and other tea utensils.

His work reflects the refined forms and decorative traditions of Japanese tea culture, with particular attention to utensils based on historical and tea-master-favored designs.

Details

  • Artist: Soetsu Nakamura (中村宗悦)

  • Name: Goyo Natsume (五葉棗)

  • Form: O-Natsume (大棗)

  • Design: Hounsai Konomi-utsushi (鵬雲斎好写し)

  • Tradition: Urasenke

  • Use: Chaki / Tea Caddy for Usucha

  • Made in Japan

About Yamanaka Lacquerware

Yamanaka Lacquerware (Yamanaka Shikki) is a traditional Japanese craft produced in Yamanaka Onsen, Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture, with a history spanning approximately 450 years.

It is especially renowned for its exceptional woodturning techniques, which allow artisans to shape wood with remarkable precision while preserving the natural beauty and character of the grain. The turned wooden forms are then carefully finished with layers of urushi lacquer, and some pieces are further embellished with traditional decorative techniques such as maki-e.

Yamanaka lacquerware is particularly admired in the world of Chanoyu for its balance of technical refinement, lightness, durability, and understated beauty. Natsume and other tea utensils made in this tradition reflect generations of specialized craftsmanship and are valued both for use in the tea room and as examples of Japanese lacquer art.

About Natsume

A natsume (棗) is a traditional Japanese chaki, or tea caddy, used to hold matcha during the preparation of usucha (thin tea).

Its name comes from its resemblance to the fruit of the natsume, or jujube tree. Over centuries, the natsume has developed into one of the most recognizable lacquer tea utensils used in Chanoyu.

Beyond its practical purpose, the natsume plays an important aesthetic role in the tea setting. Its form, lacquer finish, maki-e decoration, and seasonal motifs are carefully considered in relation to the other utensils selected for a tea gathering.

About Nishimoto

Nishimoto is an established producer of Yamanaka lacquerware based in Yamanaka Onsen, Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture, specializing in finely crafted lacquerware and utensils for Chanoyu.

The company works with skilled artisans to produce a wide range of tea utensils, including chaki, kogo (incense containers), and other lacquerware. Nishimoto is particularly known for its precise craftsmanship, including the Kiri-Awase-Guchi technique, in which the lid and body are carefully formed from the same piece of wood to achieve an exceptionally precise and harmonious fit.

Combining the long-established traditions of Yamanaka woodturning and urushi lacquerwork with refined contemporary sensibilities, Nishimoto continues to create tea utensils appreciated for both their beauty and functionality.

Its works are carried by specialty tea utensil shops and department stores in Japan, helping preserve and introduce the craftsmanship of Yamanaka lacquerware to new generations of tea practitioners and collectors.

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