Vintage Japanese Willow Makie Lacquer Chu Natsume Signed Sōryō w/Box

Willow Makie Lacquer Chu Natsume Sōryō with Tomobako 柳蒔絵中棗

Japan, Showa–Heisei period

3 in H × 2.5 in dia (8 × 6 cm); Weight: under 1 lb (under 0.5 kg)

A finely crafted chu natsume (中棗) in dense black lacquer, decorated overall in gold makie with drooping willow branches — yanagi (柳) rendered with exceptional detail. The composition wraps continuously around the body and domed lid, depicting cascading fronds in two distinct techniques: fine kirigane-like crosshatched lattice filling the frond masses, and fluid hira-makie lines defining branches and individual leaflets. The interplay of matte and burnished gold creates rich textural contrast against the mirror-black ground. The lid seats with a smooth, precise fit. Accompanied by its original fitted tomobako (共箱) in paulownia wood, the face inscribed 柳蒔絵 中棗 in brushed ink with the artist's signature 宗凌 and red seal impression; the box is tied with a traditional striped sageo cord.

Condition: Excellent overall; lacquer surface bright and intact with no chips, cracks, or losses noted. Minor age-commensurate handling marks may be present under close inspection.

A sophisticated tea-ceremony natsume of high decorative and functional quality, well-documented in its original presentation box.