Description
Xandre Store Exclusive - Contemporary Okinawan Tsuikin (堆錦) Lacquer Art with Traditional Ryukyu Heritage
Discover an exceptional expression of Okinawan lacquer craftsmanship through this Imperial Plum (Sumeragi no Ume / 皇之梅) lidded vessel by Kakuman Lacquerware (角萬漆器), acquired directly from Kakuman in Naha, Okinawa. The piece presents an elegant plum-blossom composition across a deep, mirror-like black lacquer surface. Delicate silver-toned blossoms with subtle gold-colored centers emerge from warm brown branches and budding stems, creating a dimensional design that continues from the lid around the body of the vessel. The result is a refined work of Okinawan lacquer art in which deep black lacquer, sculptural relief, metallic detail, and traditional floral symbolism come together in a compact collectible form.
Okinawan Ryukyu Lacquer Heritage
Ryūkyū shikki (琉球漆器) represents one of Okinawa's distinctive traditional craft traditions, shaped by centuries of cultural exchange throughout the former Ryukyu Kingdom.
Kakuman Lacquerware continues this Okinawan lacquer tradition from its base in Naha, producing lacquerware that combines traditional techniques with refined contemporary presentation. This vessel is particularly notable for its dimensional plum-blossom decoration, giving the surface a sculptural quality rather than appearing as a purely flat painted design. For collectors, the appeal lies not only in the finished object but also in its connection to Okinawa's continuing tradition of fine lacquer craftsmanship.
Kakuman Imperial Plum - Sumeragi no Ume
The defining feature of this vessel is its plum-blossom composition, which flows organically across the lid, rim, and body. The glossy black lacquer creates a dramatic ground for the lighter blossoms and warm branches. Each flower is individually articulated, while small bud details extend throughout the composition, giving the design a natural sense of movement. Rather than treating the lid as an isolated decorative panel, the composition continues over the vessel's curved surfaces, allowing the artwork to be appreciated from multiple viewing angles.
Key Highlights
- Kakuman Lacquerware (角萬漆器) - established Okinawan lacquerware atelier based in Naha
- Imperial Plum / Sumeragi no Ume (皇之梅) design
- Dimensional relief decoration with a distinctly sculptural character
- Deep, highly polished black lacquer ground
- Silver-toned / gray plum blossoms with subtle gold-colored centers
- Warm brown branches and individually articulated buds
- Decorative composition extending across the lid and body
- Compact, elegant lidded vessel form
- Traditional Okinawan lacquer craftsmanship
- Directly sourced from Kakuman Lacquerware in Okinawa
- Identifying Kakuman/artist marks and stamps available for collector documentation
- One-of-a-kind individual character created through hand-applied craftsmanship
The Beauty of Imperial Plum
Plum blossoms have long held an important place in East Asian artistic traditions, often associated with beauty, resilience, renewal, and the arrival of spring. On this vessel, the motif is presented with unusual restraint. The muted silver-gray flowers contrast against the intense black lacquer, while the warm branches provide a subtle transition between the two. The scattered buds are especially effective: rather than creating a repetitive pattern, they give the branches the appearance of a living tree extending naturally around the vessel.
Three-Dimensional Tsuikin (堆錦)Lacquer Relief
The floral decoration is visibly raised from the lacquer surface, creating a tactile, sculptural effect. This dimensional approach is particularly effective under directional lighting. As the vessel is rotated, the relief catches light differently, revealing subtle changes in depth, reflection, and shadow across the black lacquer ground.
Curator's Note
What makes this piece particularly compelling is the contrast between its restrained palette and its dimensional surface. The almost-black lacquer provides a dramatic visual foundation, while the pale plum blossoms appear to float above the surface. The warm brown branches introduce an organic element, and the small gold-colored centers provide restrained points of warmth. The composition also rewards close inspection.
From a distance, the vessel reads as an elegant black lacquer object; at closer range, the individual flowers, branches, buds, relief, and reflective lacquer surface reveal a much more intricate work of craftsmanship. Its relatively compact scale makes it suitable for a refined display cabinet, collector's shelf, study, or curated Japanese and Okinawan art collection.
Specifications
Atelier: Kakuman Lacquerware (角萬漆器)
Origin: Naha, Okinawa, Japan
Collection: Okinawan Ryukyu Tsuikin (堆錦) Lacquer Fine Art Collection
Design: Imperial Plum / Sumeragi no Ume (皇之梅)
Category: Okinawan Ryukyu Tsuikin (堆錦) Lacquerware / Traditional Fine Craft / Collectible Lidded Vessel
Form: Compact cylindrical lidded vessel / natsume-inspired form
Technique: Traditional Okinawan lacquer craftsmanship; dimensional relief decoration
Finish: High-gloss black lacquer with raised floral ornament
Decorative Palette: Deep black, silver-gray, warm brown, and subtle gold
Motif: Plum branches, blossoms, and buds
Materials: Lacquered wood and decorative lacquer materials, with metallic decorative elements
Dimensions:
Height: Approx. Measure from base to top of lid, e.g., 7.0–7.5 cm / 2.75–3.0 in.
Top Rim / Outer Diameter: Approx. Measure across the widest part of the lid/body, e.g., 6.8–7.2 cm / 2.6–2.8 in.
Weight:
Approx. Weigh the vessel and lid together, e.g., 100–140 g
Packaging:
Signature fitted Paulownia wood presentation box (kiri-bako / 桐箱) with archival protective cloth (ukon-nushi / 黄布).
Quantity: One available
Provenance & Identification
This vessel was acquired directly from Kakuman Lacquerware in Okinawa, providing a strong point of origin for the piece.
Why This Piece Stands Out
This Kakuman vessel occupies an especially appealing space between traditional Okinawan craft and contemporary fine-art collecting. Its small footprint makes it easy to display, while the highly reflective black lacquer and dimensional floral composition give it considerable visual presence. The artwork continues around the vessel rather than stopping at the lid, creating a unified composition intended to be appreciated from multiple angles. For collectors of Japanese lacquerware, Okinawan traditional crafts, Ryukyu cultural art, or refined Japanese decorative objects, it offers a tangible connection to Okinawa's living lacquer tradition in a sophisticated and highly displayable format.
Care & Preservation
To preserve the lacquer surface:
- Dust gently with a soft, clean microfiber or lint-free cloth.
- Avoid abrasive cloths, polishing compounds, and chemical cleaners.
- If necessary, use a very lightly dampened soft cloth and dry immediately.
- Do not immerse or soak the vessel.
- Avoid dishwasher, microwave, and prolonged exposure to water.
- Keep away from prolonged direct sunlight.
- Avoid extreme fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
- Handle the lid carefully and avoid forcing or twisting it if resistance is encountered.
Because traditional lacquer is a living natural material, appropriate environmental stability and gentle handling are important for long-term preservation.
Shipping & International Orders
Domestic Japan shipping: Included where specified by the Xandre Store listing.
International orders: Additional customs duties, VAT/GST, brokerage fees, and other local import charges may apply depending on the destination country. These charges are the responsibility of the purchaser. Each piece will be carefully packaged to protect the lacquer surface and structural integrity during transit.
Xandre Store
Xandre Store - Curated Okinawan Craft, Culture & Fine Art
We select distinctive works from Okinawan artisans and established workshops, with an emphasis on craftsmanship, cultural heritage, provenance, and pieces that carry a meaningful connection to Okinawa. This Kakuman Imperial Plum vessel is offered as a particularly elegant example of that philosophy: a compact work of Ryukyu lacquer art whose beauty emerges through lacquer depth, dimensional ornament, and the timeless plum-blossom motif.
Description
Xandre Store Exclusive - Contemporary Okinawan Tsuikin (堆錦) Lacquer Art with Traditional Ryukyu Heritage
Discover an exceptional expression of Okinawan lacquer craftsmanship through this Imperial Plum (Sumeragi no Ume / 皇之梅) lidded vessel by Kakuman Lacquerware (角萬漆器), acquired directly from Kakuman in Naha, Okinawa. The piece presents an elegant plum-blossom composition across a deep, mirror-like black lacquer surface. Delicate silver-toned blossoms with subtle gold-colored centers emerge from warm brown branches and budding stems, creating a dimensional design that continues from the lid around the body of the vessel. The result is a refined work of Okinawan lacquer art in which deep black lacquer, sculptural relief, metallic detail, and traditional floral symbolism come together in a compact collectible form.
Okinawan Ryukyu Lacquer Heritage
Ryūkyū shikki (琉球漆器) represents one of Okinawa's distinctive traditional craft traditions, shaped by centuries of cultural exchange throughout the former Ryukyu Kingdom.
Kakuman Lacquerware continues this Okinawan lacquer tradition from its base in Naha, producing lacquerware that combines traditional techniques with refined contemporary presentation. This vessel is particularly notable for its dimensional plum-blossom decoration, giving the surface a sculptural quality rather than appearing as a purely flat painted design. For collectors, the appeal lies not only in the finished object but also in its connection to Okinawa's continuing tradition of fine lacquer craftsmanship.
Kakuman Imperial Plum - Sumeragi no Ume
The defining feature of this vessel is its plum-blossom composition, which flows organically across the lid, rim, and body. The glossy black lacquer creates a dramatic ground for the lighter blossoms and warm branches. Each flower is individually articulated, while small bud details extend throughout the composition, giving the design a natural sense of movement. Rather than treating the lid as an isolated decorative panel, the composition continues over the vessel's curved surfaces, allowing the artwork to be appreciated from multiple viewing angles.
Key Highlights
- Kakuman Lacquerware (角萬漆器) - established Okinawan lacquerware atelier based in Naha
- Imperial Plum / Sumeragi no Ume (皇之梅) design
- Dimensional relief decoration with a distinctly sculptural character
- Deep, highly polished black lacquer ground
- Silver-toned / gray plum blossoms with subtle gold-colored centers
- Warm brown branches and individually articulated buds
- Decorative composition extending across the lid and body
- Compact, elegant lidded vessel form
- Traditional Okinawan lacquer craftsmanship
- Directly sourced from Kakuman Lacquerware in Okinawa
- Identifying Kakuman/artist marks and stamps available for collector documentation
- One-of-a-kind individual character created through hand-applied craftsmanship
The Beauty of Imperial Plum
Plum blossoms have long held an important place in East Asian artistic traditions, often associated with beauty, resilience, renewal, and the arrival of spring. On this vessel, the motif is presented with unusual restraint. The muted silver-gray flowers contrast against the intense black lacquer, while the warm branches provide a subtle transition between the two. The scattered buds are especially effective: rather than creating a repetitive pattern, they give the branches the appearance of a living tree extending naturally around the vessel.
Three-Dimensional Tsuikin (堆錦)Lacquer Relief
The floral decoration is visibly raised from the lacquer surface, creating a tactile, sculptural effect. This dimensional approach is particularly effective under directional lighting. As the vessel is rotated, the relief catches light differently, revealing subtle changes in depth, reflection, and shadow across the black lacquer ground.
Curator's Note
What makes this piece particularly compelling is the contrast between its restrained palette and its dimensional surface. The almost-black lacquer provides a dramatic visual foundation, while the pale plum blossoms appear to float above the surface. The warm brown branches introduce an organic element, and the small gold-colored centers provide restrained points of warmth. The composition also rewards close inspection.
From a distance, the vessel reads as an elegant black lacquer object; at closer range, the individual flowers, branches, buds, relief, and reflective lacquer surface reveal a much more intricate work of craftsmanship. Its relatively compact scale makes it suitable for a refined display cabinet, collector's shelf, study, or curated Japanese and Okinawan art collection.
Specifications
Atelier: Kakuman Lacquerware (角萬漆器)
Origin: Naha, Okinawa, Japan
Collection: Okinawan Ryukyu Tsuikin (堆錦) Lacquer Fine Art Collection
Design: Imperial Plum / Sumeragi no Ume (皇之梅)
Category: Okinawan Ryukyu Tsuikin (堆錦) Lacquerware / Traditional Fine Craft / Collectible Lidded Vessel
Form: Compact cylindrical lidded vessel / natsume-inspired form
Technique: Traditional Okinawan lacquer craftsmanship; dimensional relief decoration
Finish: High-gloss black lacquer with raised floral ornament
Decorative Palette: Deep black, silver-gray, warm brown, and subtle gold
Motif: Plum branches, blossoms, and buds
Materials: Lacquered wood and decorative lacquer materials, with metallic decorative elements
Dimensions:
Height: Approx. Measure from base to top of lid, e.g., 7.0–7.5 cm / 2.75–3.0 in.
Top Rim / Outer Diameter: Approx. Measure across the widest part of the lid/body, e.g., 6.8–7.2 cm / 2.6–2.8 in.
Weight:
Approx. Weigh the vessel and lid together, e.g., 100–140 g
Packaging:
Signature fitted Paulownia wood presentation box (kiri-bako / 桐箱) with archival protective cloth (ukon-nushi / 黄布).
Quantity: One available
Provenance & Identification
This vessel was acquired directly from Kakuman Lacquerware in Okinawa, providing a strong point of origin for the piece.
Why This Piece Stands Out
This Kakuman vessel occupies an especially appealing space between traditional Okinawan craft and contemporary fine-art collecting. Its small footprint makes it easy to display, while the highly reflective black lacquer and dimensional floral composition give it considerable visual presence. The artwork continues around the vessel rather than stopping at the lid, creating a unified composition intended to be appreciated from multiple angles. For collectors of Japanese lacquerware, Okinawan traditional crafts, Ryukyu cultural art, or refined Japanese decorative objects, it offers a tangible connection to Okinawa's living lacquer tradition in a sophisticated and highly displayable format.
Care & Preservation
To preserve the lacquer surface:
- Dust gently with a soft, clean microfiber or lint-free cloth.
- Avoid abrasive cloths, polishing compounds, and chemical cleaners.
- If necessary, use a very lightly dampened soft cloth and dry immediately.
- Do not immerse or soak the vessel.
- Avoid dishwasher, microwave, and prolonged exposure to water.
- Keep away from prolonged direct sunlight.
- Avoid extreme fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
- Handle the lid carefully and avoid forcing or twisting it if resistance is encountered.
Because traditional lacquer is a living natural material, appropriate environmental stability and gentle handling are important for long-term preservation.
Shipping & International Orders
Domestic Japan shipping: Included where specified by the Xandre Store listing.
International orders: Additional customs duties, VAT/GST, brokerage fees, and other local import charges may apply depending on the destination country. These charges are the responsibility of the purchaser. Each piece will be carefully packaged to protect the lacquer surface and structural integrity during transit.
Xandre Store
Xandre Store - Curated Okinawan Craft, Culture & Fine Art
We select distinctive works from Okinawan artisans and established workshops, with an emphasis on craftsmanship, cultural heritage, provenance, and pieces that carry a meaningful connection to Okinawa. This Kakuman Imperial Plum vessel is offered as a particularly elegant example of that philosophy: a compact work of Ryukyu lacquer art whose beauty emerges through lacquer depth, dimensional ornament, and the timeless plum-blossom motif.
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