A JAPANESE LACQUER TEA CADDY, SHOWA PERIOD (1926-1989) Uncommon... Lot 83

A JAPANESE LACQUER TEA CADDY, SHOWA PERIOD (1926-1989) Uncommon ecru lacquer tea caddy 棗 (natsume) with a nice golden hiramaki-e 平蒔絵 (low-relief design) of cart wheels submerged in a wild swirling stream. The design reflects the Heian practice of soaking the wheels of ox carts in water to prevent them from drying out and cracking. A popular theme during the Heian period. The interior and bottom side finished with slightly textured black lacquer. Signed at the bottom by the artist 'Ken' 徤. The natsume is in a very good original condition. Including original wooden signed and sealed tomobako 供箱 (storage box). Dimensions: Height 7.2 cm, Diameter 7.4 cm. Period: Japan - Shôwa period (1926-1989). Japanese natsume 棗is a type of tea caddy used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. Named for its resemblance to the natsume fruit (the jujube). It's a small wooden container with intricate designs and a layer of urushi lacquer, used to hold powdered tea (usucha; thin tea). The natsume is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, reflecting traditional Japanese design values.