Natsume Mei Help

[pcfarrar]

I've had this natsume for some years and I wondered if anyone could translate the mei for me? I have no idea how old the piece is but assume it is showa period?

 

Thanks,

 

Peter

[John A Stuart]

It looks like Sotetsu 宗哲 a lacquer artist. I can't make out the other kanji and I think the last is a kakihan. John

 

I think the Sotetsu line is still making lacquer objects. The first was Nakamura Sotetsu born in 1616 and died 1695. He was of the Senke Jusshoku. A famous artist in the chanoyu tradition.

[k morita]

Hi,

i agree with Johon.

It's 6th generation Sotetsu.

[pcfarrar]

Thank you both for the help. Any ideas when the 6th Sotetsu worked?

[k morita]

Hi,

The 6th Sotetsu was born in 1794, and died in 1839.

http://www5a.biglobe.ne.jp/~jyouei/zenpan/sadou4.htm

[pcfarrar]

Thanks again for the help. Much older than I thought it was...

[John A Stuart]

I know what you mean Peter. It amazes me how some Japanese art seems so modern sometimes. This natsume looks almost as if it was made in the sixties and sold in San Francisco's Haight-Asbury. Look at the plant and oni, demon-weed?!! Very psychedelic. :lol: :lol: John