TAKESHI: A LACQUER NATSUME (TEA CADDY) WITH CHRYSANTHEMUMBy Wakashima Takeshi, the tomobako signed Takeshi with seal TakeshiJapan, second half of 20th century, Showa period (1926-1989)Of typical form with a flush-fitting cover, bearing a lustrous silvery purple-lacquered ground, finely decorated in gold takamaki-e with stylized chrysanthemum flowerheads. The countersunk base and interior of rich nashiji, the interior further with gold fundame edges.HEIGHT 7.2 cmCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear.The wood storage box (tomobako) inscribed and signed Murasaki kin shiragiku, natsume, TAKESHI saku (‘Natsume tea caddy, in purple and gold colours, with the design of white chrysanthemums, made by Takeshi’) with the seal TAKESHI.Wakashima Takeshi (b. 1940), art name Sosai (Munenari), is a Japanese lacquer artist and the Vice-President of the Shin Nihon Bijutsuin (New Japan Art Institute).