Ichigo Itchō (1898-1991)

A large tea caddy (ō-natsume 大棗) made by Ichigo Itchō 一后一兆 (1898-1991) with decor of festive ribbons hold together by a golden knot (noshi 熨斗). The wood body is finished in polished black lacquer (roiro) and sprinkled with gold powder in the lower part, creating a nice fading effect. The ribbons are executed in taka-maki-e on different, colored foundations. The interior and the base are richly sprinkled with gold flakes and polished; rims finished in gold lacquer.

Noshi knots are usually used to indicate precious presents to express the donor's wish for a good bond and to bless the presentee with symbols of prosperity and good luck.

Signed underneath Itchō saku 一兆作 ("Made by Itchō"). Inside the lid is an abbreviated signature (kaō) in red by the 15th head (iemoto) of the Urasenke tea ceremony school, Hōunsai 鵬雲斎 (*1923), who also inscribed the inside of the lid of the wooden box: Noshi ō-natsume 熨斗大棗 ("Large tea caddy with festive knot"), indicating this item as a much valued high-class lacquer work of art.

In excellent condition; comes with fitted wooden box (tomobako) inscribed at the side Noshi natsume Itchō saku のし棗 一兆作 ("Tea caddy with festive knot made by Itchō"), signed and sealed Itchō 一兆; wrapping cloth (tomogire) sealed Itchō 一兆.

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