Silver Grass Under the Moon Natsume Matcha Container

A full moon glows above silver grass, capturing the stillness of autumn and the quiet movement of the breeze. This natsume matcha container, crafted by maki-e artist Hariya Masayuki, captures that scene with luminous detail.

Acrylic was chosen for the way it reveals the design when filled with matcha. A mound of tea powder becomes a gentle hill, upon which silver grass (susuki in Japanese) appears to ripple and the moon seems to float above—a landscape inspired by traditional Japanese painting.

The design employs the decorative lacquerware techniques of both hira maki-e and harikiri. The hira maki-e technique involves painting patterns in lacquer, sprinkling gold or silver powder before it hardens, then coating with clear lacquer and polishing to create a smooth, luminous surface. This method gives the decoration its shimmering presence. The harikiri technique, in which lines are incised with a fine needle-like tool, is used for the silver grass, capturing its rhythm and delicacy.

From the exterior, the moon appears silver, while from within, it glows golden. The delicate sparkle of the grass tips evokes dewdrops, rendered with silver powder to evoke the soft glow of moonlight. Hariya notes that he chose the materials with the shifting light of the moon in mind, aiming to suggest the brilliance of a midnight sky.

By layering traditional methods onto a modern medium, Hariya pursues new expressions of maki-e. This natsume is a refined work that brings a breath of freshness to the world of tea.

Hariya Masayuki

Hariya Masayuki is a maki-e artist specializing in Yamanaka lacquerware. Raised in a family of artisans, Hariya grew up surrounded by the tools and materials of the trade. This environment gave him an early and intimate familiarity with the world of craftsmanship. In his late teens, he encountered the works of Japan’s designated Holders of Important Intangible Cultural Heritage, such as Matsuda Gonroku and Terai Naoji, at a museum in Kanazawa Prefecture, an experience that sparked his lifelong fascination with maki-e. 

Hariya faithfully preserves traditional techniques, while also incorporating modern materials and ideas. In doing so, he expands lacquer art beyond its conventional boundaries and opens up new creative possibilities.

Laque de Yamanaka

La laque de Yamanaka, également connue sous le nom de Yamanaka Shikki, est un type de laque produite dans le district thermal de Yamanaka, à Kaga, dans la préfecture d'Ishikawa. Elle se distingue par l'alliance de l'élégance naturelle du grain du bois et du raffinement de la laque. maki-e technique consistant à saupoudrer de la poudre d'or, d'argent ou d'autres poudres colorées sur une peinture laquée.

Avec sa magnifique texture de bois, la laque Yamanaka, à la fois délicate et robuste, allie un sens moderne du design à une tradition vieille de 400 ans.