Natsume, Japanese Lacquered Tea Caddy, Bat - Japan

A tea caddy, or natsume, for matcha tea in the tea ceremony. Made of wood lacquered in a deep black, the lid features a bat motif created by the kirigane border (small squares of gold leaf) and the thickness of the lacquer. The sides are decorated with scrolls in makie gold lacquer and raden mother-of-pearl inlays. The interior and underside of the natsume are finished in gindame silver lacquer. Inside the lid is a gunbai design, a traditional military fan. These traditional decorations are rich in symbolism. The bat symbolizes prosperity, and the gunbai is a military symbol. Thus, it can be seen as a symbol of success after hard work. Artist: Ken Fukushi (artist name: Shigetsu), Japan, 7.5 x 7.5 cm. With its original box signed by the artist. This object is a piece of exceptional finesse and quality lacquerwork. Wajima lacquer.