Description

岡本陽斎 Okamoto Yosai (b1932) Japanese tea ceremony utensil / 一粒万倍 Ichiryū Manbai and Paddy Makie Gold Lacquer Natsume Tea Caddy with Original Box (Tomobako) VB198

岡本陽斎 Okamoto Yosai (b1932)
A lacquer artist originally from Kyoto. He established his studio in Ishikawa Prefecture, where he specialised in creating tea ceremony utensils—such as natsume and kōgō—using Wajima-nuri techniques.

一粒万倍 Ichiryū Manbai
It means that a single grain of rice can yield a hundredfold and grow into a magnificent ear of rice. It is a metaphor suggesting that even the smallest thing can lead to immense results in the future, and is a highly auspicious phrase signifying success and prosperity.

The phrase Ichiryū Manbai—a wish for small beginnings to grow into abundant results—settles naturally onto the glossy black surface of this natsume, where Okamoto Yosai’s gold makie gives the characters a quiet radiance. The lid’s inscription is paired with a depiction of ripening rice, the fine lines and soft curves reflecting Yosai’s long experience with Wajima‑nuri techniques and his focus on tea‑ceremony utensils. The rounded form has a calm, steady presence, its proportions giving it a balanced rhythm in the hand, while the gold detailing introduces a restrained brightness that does not overpower the lacquer’s depth. Crafted in wood and accompanied by its original tomobako, the piece carries both auspicious meaning and the refinement of a maker who has spent decades shaping works that merge symbolism with practical elegance.

Box dimensions: 4" x 4" x 3.1" / 10.4cm x 10.4cm x 8cm
Natsume dimensions: 3.3" x 3.3" x 2.3" / 8.6cm x 8.6cm x 6cm

Technique: Makie Gold Lacquer
Material: Wood

Weight: 180g including Original Box (Tomobako)

Condition

Antique items have originally crease, stain, damage, and more. I would like you to refer to the listing photos, but please understand that it's difficult to show all conditions by the photos. Special notes: SCRATCH.

About the colors of the photos

The color of the actual item may look different from the picture because of the lighting. The color on a photo can differ because of light, screen settings, personal color perception, etc. Please understand that we can't control the varying light in different environments. Please read the description, check the actual photos, and ask questions if doubts in advance.

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