Japanese Lacquer Natsume with Mount Fuji Design #5373

width: approx. 6.7cm (2 5⁄8in)
height: approx. 6.7cm (2 5⁄8in)
weight: 54g (w/ box 164g)

This is a traditional Japanese "natsume" tea caddy crafted with black lacquer and decorated with a detailed depiction of Mount Fuji using the chinkin (gold-inlay carving) and maki-e (sprinkled gold) techniques. The top of the lid showcases the majestic peak of Mount Fuji, while the sides are adorned with golden lines that render the mountain’s slopes with depth and texture. The chinkin technique creates finely carved lines filled with gold, producing a landscape that shifts with the viewing angle, offering a dynamic sense of depth. The caddy follows classical proportions, and the interior is also finished in lacquer with a high polish. Both the underside of the lid and the base are fully lacquered, and the piece is in excellent condition. It comes with a tomobako (original wooden box) bearing the artist's signature and seal, attesting to its authenticity.

Career in Lacquer Art
Born in 1961 (Showa 36) in Wajima City
Graduated from Wajima Vocational High School, Ishikawa Prefecture – Interior Design Department
Completed training at the Ishikawa Prefectural Lacquer Art Technical Training Institute

Selected for:

Japan Traditional Lacquerware Exhibition

Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition

"Tradition for Tomorrow" Exhibition

Ishikawa Contemporary Art Exhibition

Wajima City Art Exhibition

Awards and Honors:

Commendation for Excellence in Traditional Industry Techniques, Ishikawa Prefecture

Encouragement Prize for Traditional Industry Techniques, Wajima City

Encouragement Prize, Wajima City Art Exhibition

Wajima City Council Chairman’s Award

Wajima City Crafts Exhibition

Arishige Suiho
Regular Member of the Japan Kogei Association
Member of the World Culture Conference