Tea caddy 19th century

This 19th-century tea caddy, crafted by renowned Japanese lacquer artist Shibata Zeshin, showcases intricate detail and exquisite craftsmanship. The black lacquer surface is adorned with delicate gold designs, depicting a branch with berries and a stylized mountain range. This piece exemplifies Zeshin's mastery of maki-e, a traditional Japanese lacquer technique that involves applying powdered gold or silver to a lacquer base. This tea caddy, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a testament to Zeshin's artistry and the enduring beauty of traditional Japanese lacquerwork.