Natsume Omodaka, Japanese Lacquered Tea Box - Japan

Tea caddy (natsume) for matcha tea used in the tea ceremony, decorated with an “omodaka” (arrowhead plant) motif in gold maki-e and nashiji lacquer on a unique beige lacquer background.
The underside and interior are finished in black lacquer.

The design flows naturally from the lid around the body of the box, revealing new elements as the natsume is turned and evoking the tranquil beauty of plants growing beside a stream.

For the tea ceremony, the tea master selects his utensils according to the seasons, guests, and events...

Omodaka is a perennial aquatic plant of the Alismataceae family that grows in summer and fall along water’s edges and in rice paddies.

Because the shape of its leaves resembles an arrowhead, samurai of the Sengoku period nicknamed it the “plant of victory.” It was considered an absolute good-luck charm for warriors.
This is why its motif became extremely popular as a kamon (Japanese family crest). Today, the Arrowhead motif is one of Japan’s ten great traditional crests (judaimon).

Artist: Sôin Nakamura
Japan, 6.6 x 7.2 cm

Comes with its original box signed by the artist.