An exceptional handcrafted lacquer tea caddy (natsume) by the revered master Uchida Sokkan (1883-1983), featuring an exquisite Sumiyoshi Shrine torii gate and noble pine trees rendered in gold maki-e against a rich black lacquer ground. Artist Background: Born in 1883 in Kashiwazaki, Chiba Prefecture, Uchida Sokkan was the eldest son of Kanzaburo II, a respected lacquer master. In his early twenties, he moved to Tokyo as an apprentice under the Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce's lacquer training program. At age 29, he began traveling throughout Japan as a government-appointed instructor of lacquer techniques. His pursuit of excellence led him to study under Suzuki Kisuke, a master of sword scabbard lacquering, and he was profoundly influenced by interactions with Akatsuka Jitoku, who famously criticized his early tea caddies as "amateur work." This criticism spurred Sokkan to deeper studies of traditional techniques. In 1914, he studied tea ceremony under the Edo Senke school, which traces its lineage to Kawakami Fuhaku. This experience profoundly influenced his artistic direction, leading him to develop his signature style focusing on refined black lacquer work. His masterful recreation of a Shōsōin Temple treasure design earned him high acclaim. In 1941, he was recognized as a Preservation Technical Expert, and in 1970, he was designated as an Outstanding Lacquer Craftsman. Living to 100 years old, he maintained his dedication to research and refinement throughout his long career. Details: Artist: Uchida Sokkan (signed on wooden box) Style: Fine maki-e gold lacquer decoration on black urushi base Motif: Sumiyoshi Shrine torii gate and traditional pine trees Material: Natural wood base with pure lacquer finish Dimensions: 7.5cm diameter × 5.5cm height Includes: Original signed wooden box (tomobako) Usage: Traditional tea ceremony container (natsume) Artistic Features: Pure black lacquer ground (roiro-nuri finish) characteristic of Uchida's work Meticulously executed gold maki-e with his signature fine line technique Masterful depiction of iconic shrine architecture Harmonious arrangement of pine motifs showing his expertise in composition Perfectly proportioned traditional form Immaculate interior finishing demonstrating his attention to detail Distinguishing Characteristics of Uchida's Work: Exceptional precision in gold powder application Sophisticated layering technique creating depth Balanced composition reflecting his classical training Superior roiro-nuri foundation typical of Kyoto school Meticulous attention to interior finishing Condition: Near mint condition. While appearing essentially unused, may have minimal age-appropriate handling traces typical of hand-crafted lacquerware. The piece maintains its original luster and artistic integrity. Tea Ceremony Significance: This tea caddy represents the refined aesthetic of Japanese tea ceremony, where each implement is chosen not only for its practical purpose but also for its artistic merit and seasonal appropriateness. Shipping and Handling: We ship worldwide via DHL or EMS with specialized packaging designed for delicate lacquerware. All items are carefully wrapped using traditional Japanese techniques and modern protective materials to ensure safe arrival. Please note that import duties and fees may apply depending on your location. Seller Information: We are dedicated to offering authentic and high-quality Japanese tea ceremony antiques. We guarantee the authenticity of this piece and provide full documentation. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out for further details, including our return policy.