Tea Ceremony Utensil, Edo Period, Old Maki-e, Nashiji Lacquer, Autumn Grasses, Natsume (Tea Caddy), Zohiko

This is an old natsume (tea caddy) that has been stored in my home for many years.
As I am an amateur with no specialized knowledge, I have not been able to perform a detailed appraisal. I will be selling this to someone who can judge from the images and the contents of the inscription on the box.

This is a heirloom from the Imaeda family, retainers of the Kaga domain.
It is presumed to be from Imaeda Naofusa in Enkyo 3, mid-Edo period.

[Mid-Edo Period] Enkyo 3 (1746) Inscribed Box: Natsume, Autumn Grasses, Nashiji Lacquer, Maki-e, Related to the Imaeda Family

The interior is a lustrous black lacquer, and the contrast with the gorgeous maki-e of autumn grasses is beautiful. This natsume will make the green of your matcha stand out exceptionally.

- Diameter: 6.8cm, Height: 7cm

■ Product Features
Historical Context: The back of the box is inscribed with Enkyo 3 Tora-nen (1746) in ink, suggesting it is a piece from the mid-Edo period, approximately 280 years ago.
Origin: It bears the signature of Imaeda Naofusa, believed to be a member of the Imaeda family, high-ranking retainers of the Kaga domain, along with the characters 送之 (okuri), meaning gift.
Design: The exterior features a luxurious nashiji (pear-skin lacquer) with autumn grasses maki-e, while the interior is a subdued black lacquer.
Condition: It was stored wrapped in the packaging paper of Zohiko, a long-established Kyoto lacquerware shop.
■ Condition
As this is an old item, there are likely to be scuffs and minor scratches due to age. Please be sure to check the images and be satisfied with the condition before purchasing.
We do not accept returns, so please use the comment section if you have any questions.

#Zohiko #Antique
Thank you for looking.